Hands-on experience is part of the training programmes between core and satellite hospitals in Nghệ An. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

NGHỆ AN — Medical facilities in the central province of Nghệ An have witnessed significant progress in professional expertise, thanks to training programmes and technology transfers with core hospitals in the locality.  

This is the results of the provincial People’s Committee’s project on building and developing satellite hospitals in the 2019-25 period. 

The core hospitals are Nghệ An Friendship General Hospital, Nghệ An Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital, Nghệ An Hospital of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Vinh City General Hospital, Nghệ An Oncology Hospital and Nghệ An Endocrinology Hospital.

Satellite hospitals are made up of medical facilities in the 20 districts and towns, as well as the general hospital in the southwest region of the province.

Đô Lương General Hospital, one of the satellite hospitals in the programme, had actively built and reviewed their plan on expertise, human resources, infrastructure, equipment, demands for medical examination and treatment, and technology transfer in preparations for the training courses with core hospitals. 

As a result, the facility is now able to perform new techniques that were not possible in the past, such as stroke emergency care, sub-acute appendicitis and laparoscopic surgeries. 

Lê Đức Hải, director of Đô Lương General Hospital said: “In recent years, our hospital has seen outstanding development and benefits [thanks to the project]. 

“Our medical staff’s professional skills are enhanced, and the number of patients that needs to be transferred to another level is significantly lower. 

“Investment has also been made for our equipment and infrastructure to match the technology development, so the hospital is now better equipped, from imaging to diagnosis devices.”

The project has also facilitated people’s access to quality healthcare services and reduced transportation costs for patients. 

According to Nghệ An health department’s report, after three years of implementation, the project has delivered 52 training courses for 208 students including doctors, nurses and technicians. 

Core hospitals also sent 22 emergency crews to satellites for support. 

Dr Trịnh Hùng Tiến from the provincial health department said: “Thanks to the project, now all district hospitals and medical centres have the infrastructure for the technical unit, emergency, operations, and administration. 

“Their equipment is also upgraded to modern, efficient hi-tech devices, alongside a telemedicine system for consultation, examination and treatment, towards the vision of a smart hospital.” 

Reports say that shortcomings are still present, such as slow progress in several facilities, limitations in technology transfer to hospitals in mountainous areas, insufficient human resources and infrastructure at several satellite hospitals, and financial difficulties. 

Trần Minh Tuệ, deputy director of Nghệ An Department of Health said: “The local health sector will continue issuing directions to develop this model of satellite and core hospitals, emphasising the role and responsibilities of the local and facility leaders in the project implementation. 

“Other areas of focus include strengthening the connections between core and satellite units, upgrading infrastructure and equipment for technology transfer and training, hosting more training courses with hands-on experience, applying technology in hospital management, and coordinating with other programmes to increase the resources for the project’s objectives.” — VNS