Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hasdescribed doctors and health workers as soldiers who stand at the frontline in thefight against COVID-19.

At a meeting with medical workers on the occasionof the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday on February 9, the PM stressed that thehealth sector has made direct and very important contribution to the country’ssocio-economic achievements in 2020, as part of concerted efforts by the entirepolitical system and people.

The sector has taken drastic actions and coordinatedclosely with other sectors and agencies during the epidemic combat, he added.

The leader extended thanks and appreciation of thehard work and the sacrifice of all medical workers, especially those who areworking in pandemic-hit areas, as well as their families.

 The pandemic would develop morecomplicatedly in 2021 with new variants, he said, calling on the sector tomobilise all resources to contain the epidemic and treat patients.

He stressed the need to provide sufficientequipment and supplies for medical workers to ensure their safety at thehighest level and prevent transmission to medical workers and their familymembers.

The health sector must stay ready for anycircumstances, and put in place plans for timely supporting localities, buildingCOVID-19 treatment hospitals, and readying medical supplies in case thepandemic spreads on a larger scale, he said.

He required agencies and localities to takepractical measures to care for frontline medical workers, especially during theTet holiday.

The government leader informed that he had signeda decision on allowances for medical workers and others who are engaged in pandemicprevention and control work.

On the occasion, PM Phuc talked online with localofficials and medical workers in several pandemic-affected localities andhospitals, giving encouragement and wishing them a happy new year.
  
At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health NguyenTruong Son spoke from Ho Chi Minh City that the ministry on February 8established a special permanent team for the COVID-19 combat in Ho Chi MinhCity in order to mobilise all resources for contact tracing in the city.

From Hai Duong province, Professor Tran Nhu Duong,head of the COVID-19 prevention and control group under the health ministry inChi Linh town, said as from January 27, Hai Duong has traced 12,000 F1 cases,and collected samples of 75,000 people for testing.

The ministry has also sent many experts andofficials, as well as equipment to the locality since the pandemic broke outthere, he said./.