Deputy Do Manh Hung from the northern mountainous province of Thai Nguyen proposed that the Government allocate at least 10 percent of its total budget for the medical sector beginning in 2009 and increase the figure in the following years.

According to the deputy, currently the Government earmarks only 6 percent of its budget for the medical sector, while the figure is 18.8 percent in Cambodia, 17.1 percent in Thailand and 10 percent in China.

Deputy Ly Kieu Van from the central province of Quang Tri echoed Mr Hung’s view, saying that the Government should pay more attention to improving healthcare services in disadvantaged areas by increasing allowances for medical workers, as well as investment in infrastructure.

She complained that the current monthly allowance level of VND100,000 for a medical worker in villages and hamlets is too low and does not encourage others to work in these areas. In addition, ethnic minority people enjoy a rather low State financial support level of about VND10,000/person/year, while market prices are increasing on a daily basis.

Deputy Vo Thi De from the southern province of Long An said that the Government should increase investment in healthcare services in far-flung areas where low income earners and ethnic minority groups live.

“There is a widening gap between healthcare centers in provinces and remote areas. Many clinics in the remote areas have not yet met local people’s demand for check-ups and treatment in terms of infrastructure, medical equipment and drugs,” stressed Mrs De.

She proposed that the Government change its budget allocating methods, with a focus on the grassroots medical network and vulnerable groups of people such as ethnic minorities, the disabled, the elderly and children. She also asked the Government to assist these groups in the purchase of medical insurance to help them get access to better and more high-tech healthcare services.

Meanwhile, deputy Nguyen Thi Bach Mai from the south-western province of Tay Ninh pointed out that while Vietnam lacks medical staff, particularly in disadvantaged areas, there is a brain drain among medical workers from the highlands to the lowlands, from outlying areas to big cities and from public to private hospitals.

“As far as I know, up to 60 percent of doctors from State hospitals are working at private hospitals. I wonder whether the medical sector lacks personnel,” said Mrs Mai.