The World Bank and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health Thursday co-held a conference in the southern city of Can Tho to review an ODA-funded project worth $85 million to help low-income earners in the Mekong Delta access the healthcare services. Started in 2006, the project has provided financial assistance for 600,000 low-income earners in the region to buy health insurance and medical treatment subsidies for 16,900 poor patients. The project also provided further training for 1,300 doctors and health workers in thirteen provinces in the area during the period, state media reported Mar. 12. Slated for completion by the end of 2011, the project is aimed at subsidizing hospital fees for low-income earners and modernizing medical schools, colleges and hospitals to meet the needs of locals for medical check-ups and treatment.
