Managing chronic diseases at the grassroots level.

- In recent times, along with the increasing trend of non-communicable diseases and neurological disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, etc., the grassroots healthcare system in the province has clearly demonstrated its role in contributing to good disease control, limiting complications, and ensuring primary healthcare.

Health workers at Dong Kinh Ward Health Station check the health of patients.

Ms. Ha Thi Dau, a resident of Yen Ha block, Dong Kinh ward, has suffered from high blood pressure since 2020. Previously, she received treatment at the former Cao Loc District Health Center, but since 2024, her records have been transferred to the Yen Trach station, part of the Dong Kinh Ward Health Station.

Ms. Dau shared: "The health station is only a few hundred meters from my house, so it's very convenient. I don't have to travel far, saving me time and money. Every month, I go for check-ups, receive medication, and get guidance from the health staff on a suitable diet and lifestyle. Since my medical records are managed right at the station, my health is monitored more regularly, and the health staff are well-informed about my health condition to provide timely advice and medication adjustments."

Not only Dong Kinh ward, but the remaining 64 commune and ward health stations in the province have also implemented the management and treatment of chronic diseases. To date, the entire province has 24,213 hypertension patients being managed in communes and wards; 9,585 people have been diagnosed with diabetes, of which 6,578 patients are being managed and treated. At the same time, the health stations also maintain management of other chronic diseases such as schizophrenia (1,490 patients), epilepsy (1,220 patients), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma (2,080 patients).

To improve the effectiveness of managing and treating chronic diseases at the grassroots level, the health sector has focused on strengthening the capacity of grassroots healthcare workers through various comprehensive solutions. Health stations are equipped with basic equipment such as blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters for examination and screening; and health services are integrated into national target programs, especially health check-ups for the elderly and early detection of non-communicable diseases. In addition, the health sector organizes community-based screening campaigns, establishes patient records, promotes professional training, provides guidance on diagnostic and treatment techniques according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, and strengthens inspection, supervision, and professional support for grassroots levels...

According to Dr. Le Thi Kieu Oanh, Head of the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Nutrition at the Provincial Center for Disease Control: Monitoring, managing, and treating chronic diseases at commune and ward health stations is carried out regularly and promptly, helping patients control their health status right where they live. Through regular check-ups, monitoring, medication dispensing, and health care counseling, patients are updated on their condition to adjust treatment plans accordingly.

The management and treatment of chronic diseases at commune health stations has significantly reduced the burden on higher-level medical facilities. For example, the Bac Son Regional Health Center currently manages and treats only 38.3% of the total number of patients with hypertension and diabetes, while the health stations in the former Bac Son district handle the management and treatment of up to 61.7% of patients. This demonstrates the increasingly prominent role of the grassroots healthcare system in the care and management of chronic diseases in the community.

Mr. Tran Van Toan, Director of Yen Binh Commune Health Station, said: Currently, all three health stations in the commune are managing 334 patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and epilepsy. Every month, we dispense medication to over 250 patients. To serve patients, the stations are relatively well-equipped with devices such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, and test strips, and ensure an adequate supply of essential medicines, including three types of blood pressure medication and three types of diabetes medication.

In the coming period, the provincial health sector will continue to strengthen the chronic disease management system at commune and ward health stations, aiming for long-term and comprehensive patient monitoring right in the community; continue to maintain patient record management, ensure essential treatment drugs, strengthen early detection screening activities, and promote communication to raise public awareness and proactively control their health.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/quan-ly-benh-man-tinh-tu-co-so-5084107.html