The health sector needs to enhance the qualifications and ethics of its staff regularly, and mobilise available resources to effectively prevent and control epidemics, said the Party leader.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh made the request during his visit to the Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital on February 8, as the country is preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year Festival.

The leader urged the entire sector to make greater efforts to better the quality of medical check-ups and treatment, ease the overload at hospitals and ensure the sufficient provision of quality medicines at stable prices.

Health is the most valuable asset of each person as well as the entire society, he said, adding that the Party always attaches great importance to protecting and caring for the people’s health and places top priority on developing healthcare services while ensuring social security.

Manh praised the sector’s encouraging achievements during 2009 and accomplishment of the targets of the 2006-2010 plan despite various difficulties and challenges. These successes have created an impetus for the sector to develop strongly in the years to come.

The Party leader also expressed his delight at the hospital’s successful application of scientific and technological advances in its diagnoses and treatment.

The Bach Mai hospital has upheld its role well as the country’s leading general hospital and a sponsor in terms of techniques and capacity improvements for grassroots-level medical establishments, especially those in remote and isolate areas. (VNA)