Vietnam strives for a better care and protect of people's health
Ha Noi, Mar 20 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has adopted a strategy to better care for and protect the people's health as part of its efforts to increase an average life expectancy from the present 66 to 71 by the year 2010.
The strategy is included in a decision signed by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on Mar. 19. It is intended to provide all people with primary healthcare services as well as access to high-quality medical services.
"Everyone will be helped to enjoy a safe life in their communities and develop both their physical and mental capabilities," the decision says.
"Viet Nam is striving for an average life span of 71 and to reduce the maternal mortality rate to 70/100,000, the mortality rate of infants under one to 25 per 1,000 and that of infants under five to 32 per 1,000 by 2010.
"The rate of newborns weighing less than 2500 grams will be reduced to below six percent and that of malnourished infants under five to below 20 percent, while the average height of young people is raised to 1.6 m upwards and the rate of 4.5 medical doctors and one pharmacist achieved for every 10,000 people".
The decision also highlights measures to realise the strategy, including an increase of the State budget allocated to the medical sector, with priority given to poverty-stricken, remote and isolated areas as well as preventative medicine, traditional medicine and primary healthcare.--VNA
