Vietnam Deputy PM Calls for Faster Construction of 2 New Hospital Branches

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Vu Duc Dam has asked the Health Ministry to direct the progress of constructing chapters of Hanoi-based Viet Duc and Bach Mai hospitals, which are located in the northern province of Ha Nam, state media reported. Construction on the two chapters started in December 2014. Both will meet international standards and become the most modern in Vietnam. Each sits on a site of 21ha and is slated for operation in late 2017. The DPM requested the ministry to make monthly reports on the construction progress to submit to the Prime Minister. The Ministries of Finance, Construction, Planning and Investment, Natural Resources and Environment, and the provincial People’s Committee should report to the Prime Minister in case of any contingency outside their jurisdiction. Bach Mai hospital’s second facility will be built into a general hospital which specializes in treating cardiovascular, tumor and respiratory diseases, serving about 5,000 patients per day. Meanwhile, Viet Duc hospital’s chapter will work as a surgical center treating brain and bone injuries, and rib-cage and spine injuries serving 3,500 patients per day. (cand.com.vn Aug 5, vietnamnet.vn Aug 4)