Nguyễn Văn Dũng, director of Cà Mau Province’s Department of Health, explains why dozens of doctors at public hospitals in recent years have resigned. — Photo baogiaothong.vn

CÀ MAU — Dozens of doctors at public hospitals in the southernmost province of Cà Mau have resigned in recent years because of modest salaries, the provincial Department of Health has said.

Nguyễn Văn Dũng, director of the department, made the statement in reply to queries on the increasing number of doctors quitting jobs at public hospitals for private medical establishments in recent years.

Dũng said the trend was on the rise but noted that it was also occurring nationwide.

Between 2015 and 2018, about 140 doctors stopped working at public hospitals in the province to move to private clinics and hospitals.

In 2018 alone, up to 31 doctors gave up their jobs. Dũng said the main reason was low pay. 

In public hospitals, a contracted doctor receives a monthly payment of VNĐ3 million (US$129), while private facilities offer VNĐ10-20 million ($430-861).

Dũng said the department has asked the provincial authority to improve doctors' salaries and give financial autonomy to public hospitals.

Cà Mau General Hospital and Cà Mau Maternity Hospital will implement financial autonomy by the end of the year. The remaining hospitals in the province will apply the scheme in 2020, he said. — VNS