Health care for mountain people: Leaving no one behind

Currently, medical examinations and treatment for people in mountainous areas are mainly carried out at commune-level health stations. Photo: DIEM LE

People can rest assured when receiving medical treatment at this facility.

At the Tra Doc Commune Health Station, we met Mrs. Ho Thi Van, a Ca Dong ethnic minority woman who came to the health station for a check-up. Due to her advanced age, traveling on the mountainous roads is quite difficult for her. Mrs. Van said she only comes to the health station when she is in a lot of pain and has to rely on her children and grandchildren to drive her.

After examining and advising Mrs. Van, the medical assistant carefully prepared and categorized her medication. Due to her advanced age and inability to read, the doctor had to provide very detailed instructions regarding the color of the medicine and make careful notes so that her family could assist her when taking the medication.

Ms. Vân recounted: “In the past, when people were sick, they would pick leaves from the forest to boil and drink, and if that didn't work, they would pray to the spirits for healing. In recent years, doctors and officials have come to our homes to spread awareness about medical examinations and treatment. I followed their advice, went for checkups and got medicine, and found that the pain lessened, so I started to trust the doctors.”

According to Dr. Lai The Co, Head of the Tra Doc Commune Health Station, after the merger of Tra Bui and Tra Doc communes into Tra Doc commune, the entire commune has 2,315 households with 10,452 inhabitants.

Ms. Ho Thi Van received careful advice and notes on each type of medication, including how to take it and the timing, to avoid any confusion. Photo: DIEM LE

The merger of two communes has resulted in a larger geographical area, with difficult road access, and some villages, such as village 3B, still lack electricity. Therefore, access to healthcare services and information remains challenging for the Ca Dong people in the area.

In recent years, the healthcare program for people in mountainous areas has implemented many practical policies and support measures, effectively improving the lives and health of the people. More extensive outreach has been conducted, reaching even the most remote villages, resulting in a significant reduction in outdated customs such as drinking herbal teas and performing rituals when ill.

“People are now aware of hospitals and health centers for medical examinations and treatment. For young women, home births have also decreased, except in cases of premature birth or long distances preventing timely arrival at health centers. In these cases, village health workers will be present to guide and assist the mothers during childbirth and report to the local health center for timely monitoring and care,” Dr. Co said.

Prioritizing the health of the people.

Immediately after stabilizing the organizational structure and ensuring smooth operation, the leaders of Tra Lien commune (formed by the merger of Tra Kot, Tra Nu, and Tra Dong communes) visited the grassroots level to learn about healthcare for the people. Visiting the Tra Lien Commune Health Station, Ms. Le Thi Thu Van, Secretary of the Tra Lien Commune Party Committee, listened to the concerns and suggestions of the local doctors and medical staff.

Chairman of Tra Doc Commune People's Committee Phan Duy Hung visits and encourages doctors, nurses, and people receiving medical treatment at Tra Doc Commune Health Station. Photo: DIEM LE

Through on-site inspections, local leaders also gained an understanding of the current state of facilities, equipment, and resources, enabling them to guide the health station's stable operation, gradually integrate with the community, and improve the quality of medical examination and treatment for people throughout the commune after the merger.

Ms. Van also noted to the medical staff of Tra Lien commune: The commune now borders Quang Ngai province, has an area of about 130 square kilometers and a population of over 10,000 people, so healthcare for the people needs to be given even more attention.

Regarding the difficulties faced by grassroots healthcare, the commune leaders will make recommendations to the relevant professional departments as well as the city leaders so that future policies can be implemented to better support and invest in grassroots healthcare.

In Tra Doc commune, after surveying the actual operation of the Health Station, Mr. Phan Duy Hung - Chairman of the Commune People's Committee - said: "Initially, we prioritized spending time visiting the grassroots, understanding and promptly grasping the living conditions and healthcare of the people, especially the elderly and children of the Ca Dong ethnic group. There are still many difficulties ahead, but we will try our best not to betray the trust of the people in the commune leadership, and to contribute to improving all aspects of life for people in the mountainous region."

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cham-care-health-mountain-people-don't-let-anyone-be-left-behind-3296944.html