Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính had a working session with the leadership of the Ministry of Health on Saturday in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính encouraged the health sector to overcome difficulties and shortcomings and consider protecting public health the first and foremost task.

In a working session with leading officials of the Ministry of Health on Saturday, PM Chính stressed the need to ensure safety and success for the upcoming elections of the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-26 tenure.

To that end, the health sector and others must continue stepping up inspections and perfection of mechanisms and policies on COVID-19 prevention and control, he stressed.

It is necessary to promote proactive testing, and speed up the implementation of a “vaccine strategy” by increasing access to effective vaccine sources and stepping up vaccinations.

The Government leader called for a change in the popularisation of pandemic prevention and control so people will voluntarily join the fight for their own health and for the national interest.

PM Chính directed the sector to carry out urgent tasks, including completing institutions, mechanisms and policies in accordance with the situation, raising the quality of human resources, especially in remote areas, investing in developing specific medicine, mobilising all legal resources in bettering healthcare, and stepping up the application of information technology in the sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long said that the number of new COVID-19 cases in Việt Nam may continue increasing; however, the sources of infection of all new cases have been identified.

Regarding the testing capacity, Long stated that Việt Nam now can test nearly 66,000 samples per day, and increase to 290,000 samples at maximum if necessary. — VNS