Expanding palliative care coverage for critically ill patients

In the strategy for developing universal health care, palliative care has profound humanistic significance, contributing to improving the quality of life for patients with serious, chronic illnesses or terminal cancer.

Speaking at the 2nd Congress of the Vietnam Palliative Care Medicine Association held on October 11 in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen emphasized that for serious illnesses and illnesses with high incidence, palliative care combined with spiritual and psychological measures will help patients feel secure in treatment and receive more comprehensive and humane care.

With that goal, the Ministry of Health coordinates with specialized units to research and guide treatment facilities, especially specialized hospitals for oncology, tuberculosis and lung diseases, to develop palliative care departments to manage, monitor and support patients comprehensively. The health sector aims to expand and cover palliative care services for the entire population.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen speaks at the congress. Photo: KIM HUYEN

From a professional perspective, Dr. Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management, said that the current major barrier in the field of palliative care is the lack of human resources with specialized skills.

“Palliative care is not only the responsibility of the health sector but also requires the cooperation and cooperation of social organizations to accompany patients. The most important thing is to strengthen training at medical schools and develop a team of specialists,” Dr. Nguyen Trong Khoa suggested.

Currently, many medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City have been focusing on forming and integrating departments and palliative care centers and operating effectively, typically: Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital...

The 2nd Congress of the Vietnam Palliative Care Medicine Association with the theme "Realizing the commitment: Universal coverage of palliative care" is considered an important milestone promoting multidisciplinary coordination from medicine, psychology to sociology to provide more comprehensive patient care.

KIM HUYEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mo-rong-bao-phu-cham-soc-giam-nhe-cho-nguoi-benh-hiem-ngheo-post817474.html