Seven northern mountainous provinces in Vietnam have received 52 ambulances worth $3 million, which is part of the World Bank-funded Northern Uplands Health Support Project (NUP). Of the total, Cao Bang province was handed with 14 ambulances while Son La and Lao Cai provinces received 8 vehicles each, the Lao Dong newspaper reported November 24. Other beneficiaries were Lai Chau and Dien Bien provinces with six ambulances each and Ha Giang and Bac Kan provinces five each. The project aims to improve capability of local health workers and provide basic medical equipment as well as upgrade some health facilities. The project will also include boosting use of medical services for locals, especially the poor and ethnic minority groups. All of ambulances with advanced equipment, provided by An Phu Thanh Import-Export Joint Stock Company, are suitable to terrain and weather in the region. (laodong.com.vn Nov 24, vietnamplus.vn Nov 23)
