Satellite hospitals to tackle overcrowding
HA NOI (VNS)— The Ministry of Health is tackling overcrowding in central hospitals using a satellite hospital programme launched in Ha Noi yesterday.
The programme, approved by the Prime Minister in March 2013, will strengthen examination and treatment capabilities of 48 satellite hospitals nation-wide.
It is managed by 14 central hospitals in central Thua Thien Hue province, HCM City and Ha Noi.
Priority has been given to the 5 specialist divisions causing overcrowding in central hospitals, including cancer, traumatology, cardiovascular, obstetrics and paediatrics.
"The practice of transferring techniques will take place at central hospitals. From now to 2015, satellite hospitals will perform all techniques transferred by central hospitals," said Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen.
Xuyen said the programme was already facing difficulties, including a shortage of staff and medical facilities at satellite hospitals.
However, she said satellite hospitals would receive joint funding from the World Bank, the Japan International Co-operation Agency and from localities' own budget.
Xuyen added that communication campaigns were needed to raise awareness of satellite hospitals and improve visitation rates.
It is expected that the use of satellite hospitals will ease consultation costs and overcrowding in central hospitals.
The programme, costing over VND1.7 trillion (approximately US$81million), will provide training and technical knowledge, applying information technology known as ‘telemedicine' in a bid to lift quality standards.
The programme also aims to shore up human resources in the sector and provide upgrades to infrastructure and medical facilities in satellite hospitals.
The health ministry will also put into effect a circular regulating treatment levels and the referral of patients between examination and treatment units nation-wide. — VNS
Đăng ký: VietNam News
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