Thai Binh (VNA) –ꦐ The Red River Delta province of Thai Binh will focus on building a modern medical system and transforming itself into a premier medical hub in the region under local planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050.

Improving healthcare quality

In 2023, Thai Binh Pediatric Hospital reached a milestone by successfully performing its first open-heart surgery, a complex and challenging procedure that requires high levels of expertise from the medical team. With support and technology transfer from the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, the hospital is well-versed in the technique, improving access to specialised care, and offering new hope for many children suffering from congenital heart diseases in the province. A notable example is the successful five-hour surgery performed on a 38-month-old child with a congenital heart defect, which not only saved the child's life but also showcased the province's advancing medical expertise. Bui Thi Nhu Hoa, the patient's mother, said instead of travelling to a higher-tier hospital, her child received treatment right in the locality, helping reduce travel and healthcare costs. According to Deputy Director of the Thai Binh Pediatric Hospital Do Manh Dung, with a view to improve medical checkup and treatment quality, the hospital invested nearly 30 billion VND (1.18 million USD) on equipment and sent staff for training at higher-level hospitals. Currently, the facility has a standard cardiovascular surgery room and a post-operative intensive care unit, enabling it to perform surgeries for many children with congenital heart defects.

Investing heavily in healthcare sector

Over the recent past, the province has channeled major investments in its healthcare sector. Currently, the province boasts 32 hospitals, of them 21 state-owned, nine private, and two under the Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Thai Binh Medical College. Nearly 700 private clinics, 15 preventive health units, and 260 communal health stations have been established in the province. With 7,867 hospital beds, it now achieves a ratio of 40.3 beds per 10,000 residents.

Director of the provincial Department of Health Pham Quang Hoa said that medical establishments across the province have made concerted efforts to invest in advanced medical techniques and better healthcare quality to meet the international integration requirement for the 2024-2028 period. The province has outlined an investment roadmap to upgrade infrastructure and equipment for three key hospitals, namely Thai Binh General Hospital, Thai Binh Traditional Medicinal Hospital, and Thai Binh Eye Hospital. The estimated budget for the implementation of the project for 2024-2028 amounts to 1 trillion VND. Besides, it aims to develop healthcare infrastructure in accordance with national construction standards and even align with international benchmarks by 2050. Specialised hospitals, including those for tropical diseases, kidney care, and orthopedic trauma, will also be established. At the same time, the province will offer incentives for investment, ensuring that every district and city has at least one private general hospital, aiming to reach the ratio of 50 - 55 hospital beds per 10,000 people by 2050./.