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WORKSHOP SHARING EXPERIENCES IN SUPPORTING COMMUNE HEALTH STATIONS TO OPERATE ACCORDING TO THE FAMILY MEDICINE PRINCIPLE

From July 28 to 30, 2025, a thematic conference "Sharing experiences in supporting commune health stations to operate according to the principle of family medicine" was taken place in Tuyen Quang within the framework of the Local health care for disadvantaged area sector development program (LHCDASDP). The conference was chaired by Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Le Thu Hang who was the program director, Central Program Management Unit (CPMU), Provincial Program Management Units (PPMU) of 07 provinces/cities (Can Tho, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Gia Lai, Da Nang, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang), and representatives of related units.
 
WORKSHOP SHARING EXPERIENCES IN SUPPORTING COMMUNE HEALTH STATIONS TO OPERATE ACCORDING TO THE FAMILY MEDICINE PRINCIPLE
The conference aimed to assess progress and share experiences in implementing the Family Medicine model at CHSs which was an important solution to improve the quality of primary health care (PHC) in disadvantaged areas. This activity is a part of the LHCDASDP (2019-2025), using loans and non-refundable aid from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with a total capital of 110.6 million USD. The program focuses on improving the people’s health, especially the poor and ethnic minorities in 16 provinces.

Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Le Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Financial Planning, Ministry of Health speaking at the conference.
Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Le Thu Hang emphasized the fundamental role of the PHC in people health care. According to Directive No. 25 of the Secretariat, strengthening and improving the quality of the PHC is a top priority. The program has implemented activities such as upgrading facilities, providing equipments, training, and innovating service delivery models, in which family medicine is a focus.

Despite of many challenges such as new management models, constraints from the National Target Program on New Rural Development, changes in ODA management policies, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Program has achieved remarkable achievements. As of June 30, 2025, Component I (loan capital) has completed: Construction of 149/293 new CHSs (51%); Repair and upgrade of 203/261 CHSs (78%); Handing equipments to 313/680 CHSs (46%).

Component II (aid capital) made its mark with training and technical support activities: Family medicine training for 198 healthcare workers (2022); Training on disease prevention and biosafety for 331 trainees (2023); Training on non-communicable disease management for 207 trainees (2023) and cervical cancer screening for 151 staff (2025); Pilot screening for hypertension and diabetes in Tuyen Quang (1,560 people) and Soc Trang (2,881 people).

Notably, from June 2024 to 2025, the consulting package to support 183 CHSs and 12 regional health centers in implementing the family medicine model has achieved positive results, with 100% of CHSs recording progress in providing services according to the family medicine principle.

The conference listened to 06 presentations, including 02 presentations from the CPMU and 04 presentations from other units, focusing on aspects such as upgrading facilities, training, and implementing family medicine. Discussions emphasized the investment in facilities and equipment has changed the face of participated CHSs; Selected interventions such as family medicine support and non-communicable disease management, play a catalytic role in transforming the PHC model; Gender equality and ethnic minority development were important factors in implementing the program.


Ms Nguyen Kim Oanh- deputy director of CEHS presenting the program results

Do Thi Nguyen, the Dong Nai department of health director speeching
Deligates also pointed out that, to maintain and  promote the results, localities needed to continue to have sustainable invesment in local healthcare as the program ended

La Dang Tai, Tuyen Quang Department of health Deputy Director speeching   
Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Le Thu Hang suggested that provinces persistently replicate the family medicine model at new CHSs, considering the model as a key solution to improve the quality of PHC. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide technical support and a policy framework to overcome limitations and ensure the sustainability of the program.

Deligates of the conference
The conference was not only an opportunity to summarize achievements but also a forum to share practical experiences, thereby finalizing the technical and policy guidance system for family medicine. Delegates expressed their desire to continue receiving support from the Ministry of Health and partners to maintain the development local healthcare network. The conference set up a concrete foundation for continuing to strengthen and improve the quality the local health care, contributing to improving people healthcare in disadvantaged areas.
 
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