Đắk Nông Province doctors work at local public medical facilities. VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Minh

ĐẮK NÔNG The Central Highlands province of Đắk Nông has spent more than VNĐ26 billion (US$1.12 million) to attract and retain doctors at local public medical facilities.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Hương, director of the provincial Department of Health, said the province had seen a significant increase in the number of well-qualified and experienced doctors in the last four years.

"While other localities in the country are facing a shortage of human resources in the public healthcare sector, the province’s health sector has recruited more young skilled doctors and kept experienced doctors thanks to support policies," she said.

A resolution passed by the provincial People's Council in 2014 called for preferential policies for doctors and pharmacists working at public medical facilities.

As part of the resolution, the provincial fund allocated VNĐ180-300 million ($7,700-12,900) for each doctor or pharmacist who wants to work at local public medical facilities.

Since 2015, the province has attracted 23 doctors working at local public hospitals, including three specialists, 17 general practitioners and three traditional medicine practitioners.

About VNĐ4.8 billion ($206,400) is planned to spend to support these doctors.

They have been sent to work at the provincial-level general hospital and district-level hospitals and health centres.

As of the end of June, 451 doctors and health workers benefit from the province’s support policies.

Funding for implementation of policies rose from VNĐ4.4 billion ($189,200) in 2015 to nearly VNĐ6 billion ($258,000) last year.

Many preferential policies for doctors who have worked a long time in the province are being implemented.

Young doctors are provided favourable conditions to study and improve their professional level and skills.

In the last four years, the number of specialists has increased from 50 to 95.

Phạm Khánh Tùng, director of Đắk R’Lấp District’s health centre, said: “Creating a good working environment is the most important factor to help doctors develop their professional skills and keep them working for a long time.”

To retain doctors, the province has addressed patient overcrowding, purchased modern medical equipment and facilities, and offered opportunities for physicians to improve their skills, he said.

The quality of health exams and treatment services at public medical facilities has improved markedly in recent years, according to the provincial health department.

Many advanced medical techniques have been applied to treatment services, contributing to a reduction in the number of referrals of patients.

The province will continue to implement policies to attract high-quality human resources in the healthcare sector in the coming years. VNS