Vietnam 'makes progress in institutionalizing family medicine model'

The International Conference on Family Medicine in Vietnam emphasized the role of primary health care and shared experiences in sustainable development. Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) also highly appreciated Vietnam's progress.

On the morning of November 13, at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, the international conference "Cooperation and sustainable development of family medicine and primary health care through innovation in training and practice" opened.

Attending the conference were representatives of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Diplomacy, the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), leaders of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment ( Ministry of Health ); experts from universities in the Kingdom of Belgium and 250 delegates representing health departments, medical universities and local health facilities in Vietnam.

Dr. Duong Huy Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health ), discussed policy orientation on family medicine and primary health care.

PHOTO: BNL

In his opening speech, Professor - Doctor Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, Rector of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, emphasized the strategic role of family medicine in innovating the primary health care system and improving grassroots health capacity. At the same time, he affirmed that international cooperation is not only to share resources and professional techniques, but more importantly, to improve the internal capacity of the system - from training to practice - for sustainable development and long-term adaptation.

The conference demonstrates the spirit of cooperation and companionship in developing family medicine associated with strengthening primary health care, following the direction of the World Organization of Family Physicians (WONCA).

Conference delegates take souvenir photos at the opening session

PHOTO: BNL

In her speech, Dr. Jennifer Horton, WHO Deputy Representative in Vietnam, affirmed that family medicine and primary health care are the foundation of universal health coverage. At the same time, she highly appreciated Vietnam's progress in institutionalizing the family medicine model, integrating it into national policies and training health workers. WHO is committed to continuing to accompany the Ministry of Health and universities in developing a people-centered primary health care model, in line with the orientation of equitable and sustainable health care.

Representative of the Wallonie-Bruxelles delegation in Vietnam, Mr. Pierre Du Ville, also highly appreciated the close cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Wallonie-Bruxelles over the past two decades, considering it a model of academic connection and sustainable development.

"Over the past two decades, achievements in training, research and practice have contributed to the formation of a nationwide network of family doctors and primary health care systems, playing a fundamental role in improving the quality of primary care services, reducing hospital overload and enhancing community health," said Mr. Pierre Du Ville.

Developing family medicine in accordance with the policies of the Party and the State

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Duong Huy Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health), highly appreciated the role of training facilities in building professional capacity and innovating practice models in the community.

According to Dr. Duong Huy Luong, the implementation of Resolution 72-NQ/TW is focusing on strengthening the grassroots health network, standardizing the capacity of family doctors, effectively implementing and replicating comprehensive, continuous care models, focusing on people, so it is also suitable for the development of the family medicine model.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, Rector of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, delivered the opening speech at the conference.

PHOTO; BNL

According to Professor - Doctor Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, with the goal of enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, promoting innovation in training, research and practice, the event is a forum for managers, experts, local health facilities and international partners to exchange policies, share models and propose practical solutions to improve the quality of primary health care.

The conference was held within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the French-speaking Community of Belgium (Wallonie-Bruxelles) for the period 2025 - 2027, under the project "Building a sustainable network of family medicine and primary health care in Vietnam".

The conference runs until November 14, and includes many thematic workshops and continuing medical education (CME) activities.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/viet-nam-co-buoc-tien-trong-viec-the-che-hoa-mo-hinh-y-hoc-gia-dinh-18525111315203895.htm