"A shield" from primary healthcare

Experiencing headaches and dizziness, Mr. Nguyen The Vinh (Quynh Ngoc 1 village, Ea Na commune) was taken by his family to the Ea Na Health Station for examination. There, he was diagnosed with hypertension. The doctor prescribed medication and advised him on healthy eating habits and exercise. Mr. Vinh shared that in the past, whenever he was sick, he usually went to higher-level hospitals for examination and treatment. In recent years, with the construction of the Ea Na Health Station and the upgrading of medical equipment, he has been visiting the station more often, finding it both reassuring and time-saving.

According to Nguyen Thi Sim, head of the Ea Na Health Station, thanks to effective primary healthcare services, the number of people seeking medical examination and treatment at the station has increased significantly. Since the beginning of the year, the station has received an average of 300 patients per month, a 20% increase compared to 2024. For chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.), the station regularly organizes consultations and periodic screenings.

Staff at Ea Na Health Station examine patients.

In parallel, the Ea Na Health Station also pays special attention to the health of mothers and children. Prenatal and neonatal screening and counseling activities are emphasized to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Currently, the rate of tetanus vaccination for pregnant women and regular check-ups is over 90%. According to Station Chief Nguyen Thi Sim, most people now choose higher-level facilities for childbirth, but if there is an emergency at the station, the health staff are always ready to assist. A typical example is the case of Ms. Trinh Thi My Hanh (born in 2006) who unexpectedly went into labor while visiting relatives in the local area; the station staff promptly assisted in the delivery, resulting in a healthy mother and child.

Before merging into Tan An ward, the former Ea Tu commune had already met the criteria for advanced new rural development. As a result, the ecological environment improved, and people's awareness increased. This achievement is thanks to the contributions of the local health sector. The Ea Tu Health Station is considered a unit that performs well in disease prevention and control. Ms. H'Thai Arul, Deputy Head of the Ea Tu Health Station, said that to limit disease outbreaks, the station proactively disseminated information through the commune's broadcasting system to raise people's awareness. In particular, health workers chose one Saturday of the month (during peak disease outbreaks, this was done every Saturday) to go to each village and hamlet to directly guide and encourage people to clean up the environment with activities such as clearing bushes and instructing people on treating mosquito nets to prevent and control mosquitoes. With the motto "slow and steady wins the race," disease prevention and control efforts have seen positive changes. Since the beginning of the year, the disease situation in the locality has significantly decreased compared to the same period last year. For example, only 5 cases of dengue fever have been recorded, a sharp decrease compared to the same period last year (over 20 cases). This demonstrates the determination and effectiveness of preventive health care in the locality.

Pre-vaccination check-ups for children at Ea Tu Health Station.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Health Nguyen Huu Vu Quang, the commune health station system has been invested in and upgraded with facilities and medical equipment, ensuring that it basically meets national standards for healthcare. The medical staff at these stations are constantly improving their expertise and skills. In addition, while administrative units are merging and operating a two-tiered local government system, these health stations are still maintained to facilitate access to primary healthcare for the people.

Through their activities in disseminating information and providing primary healthcare to the people, health stations have contributed to raising people's awareness in disease prevention and control, maintaining environmental hygiene, and thus building a responsible, clean, and civilized community.

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