Investing hundreds of millions of USD to improve primary health care in disadvantaged areas

After more than 5 years of implementation, the investment program to develop the grassroots health network in disadvantaged areas implemented by the Ministry of Health and ADB has achieved practical results.

On September 15, in Dong Nai, the Ministry of Health coordinated with the Provincial People's Committee and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to organize a conference to summarize the Investment Program for Developing the Primary Health Network in Difficult Areas. Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen, Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Council Ton Ngoc Hanh, ADB representatives and leaders of 15 provinces where the project was implemented attended.

The program was implemented in 15 provinces: Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, Phu Yen, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Binh Thuan, Dak Nong (now Lam Dong), Binh Phuoc (now Dong Nai), Soc Trang and Ca Mau, with a total capital of 110.6 million USD. Of which, ODA loan capital was 88.6 million USD, ODA non-refundable aid capital was 12 million USD and domestic counterpart capital was 10 million USD.

The program has contributed to improving the quality of equipment, facilities and medical human resources at the commune level.

PHOTO: HOANG GIAP

The program consists of two components: Component 1 is invested by the provincial health departments, using ODA loans for construction and equipment purchase; Component 2 uses non-refundable aid capital managed by the Ministry of Health.

As of August 31, the entire program had disbursed 66%. Component 1 alone has put into use 166/273 newly built health stations (61%), completed 211/277 repaired and upgraded stations (76%) and handed over equipment to 354/564 stations (63%). It is expected that by the end of 2025, the program will have completed 517 projects, reaching 94% of the plan (building 254 new stations, repairing 263 stations) and handed over equipment to 495 stations, reaching 88% of the plan.

In Dong Nai alone, in the period of 2020 - 2025, 30 new medical stations will be invested in, 43 stations will be repaired and upgraded with equipment; of which the Ministry of Health and ADB will support the construction of 20 new stations and the renovation of 25 stations.

Bringing practical results to primary health care

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen said: Grassroots health care is the foundation of the national health system and needs comprehensive investment in facilities, equipment and human resources.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen speaks at the conference

PHOTO: HOANG GIAP

The Deputy Minister said that recently, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW (Resolution 72) dated September 9, 2025 on a number of breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care and improvement of people's health.

The resolution offers many breakthrough solutions, emphasizing comprehensive investment in the grassroots health system; reorganizing the health system according to the 2-level local government model; building electronic health records for each person from birth to death; organizing free annual health check-ups, gradually reducing the burden of medical costs, and moving towards free hospital fees for all people...

Leaders of the Ministry of Health and Dong Nai province listened to presentations and opinions of delegates at the conference.

PHOTO: HOANG GIAP

The investment program to develop the grassroots health care network in disadvantaged areas has brought practical results to grassroots health care, contributing to upgrading facilities, medical equipment and the quality of health care human resources at the commune level, especially in disadvantaged areas.

The Deputy Minister of Health also requested that localities participating in the program quickly disseminate and thoroughly understand the contents of Resolution 72 and Directive 25 to medical forces in the area.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dau-tu-hang-tram-trieu-usd-nang-tam-y-te-co-so-vung-kho-khan-185250915163230075.htm