President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception for outstanding healthofficials on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of VietnamDoctors’ Day in Hanoi on February 27.

The Stateleader congratulated the officials and extolled the significantachievements of the heath sector over the past six decades, includingfulfilling many of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

The remarkable achievement is attributed to the tireless efforts ofhealth workers, including those who sacrificed their lives for thenational safeguarding cause and those who have devoted their career toworking in remote areas, he said.

Health MinisterNguyen Thi Kim Tien reported that in the Doi Moi (reform) process, thehealth industry has successfully applied modern technology and improvedthe health index of Vietnam , bringing it to stand above that ofcountries with similar incomes and development stages.

The current average life expectancy in Vietnam is double that of1945, and dangerous diseases have largely been under control. The sectorhas also worked to meet over 50 percent of the medicinal demand and istaking the initial steps towards producing medicine for export.

The technical skills of Vietnamese doctors are on par with those inthe region and around the world, especially in kidney transplants, livertransplants, heart transplants, stem cell transplants, and heartsurgeries, the minister added.

President Truong TanSang asked the ministry to expand effective health care models andhonour outstanding figures in the field.

Heexpressed his belief that with comprehensive social engagement anddeveloped medical skills, the health industry will continue to reapimpressive results in the future.-VNA