Enhancing primary healthcare capacity

(Baonghean) - Over the years, Hung Lam Commune Health Station (Hung Nguyen District) has not only effectively implemented disease prevention and control but also done a good job of providing primary healthcare to the people. The station achieved national standards for the period 2011-2020 and is one of the exemplary health units of Hung Nguyen District...

Hung Lam is located about 12 km from the district center, and the lives of its people are still difficult. Therefore, the awareness of some residents regarding health care and protection, especially disease prevention and control, is still limited. To effectively carry out the task of caring for the people's health, the Hung Lam Health Station has proactively developed plans for each month, quarter, and year, assigning specific tasks to staff in charge of each hamlet to monitor the disease situation; regularly contacting and coordinating with social organizations in the commune to integrate and disseminate information on disease prevention and control, and implementing national health programs for the people. At the same time, it educates and guides people on maintaining general hygiene and preventing dangerous seasonal diseases. In 2014, the station received investment and upgraded infrastructure and medical equipment and was recognized as meeting standards for the 2011-2020 period. The station currently has 13 rooms and 4 beds. The facility is equipped with a simple blood glucose meter, a nebulizer, a diabetes testing machine, an autoclave, and other equipment, meeting the standards for inpatient needs. The well-built, clean, and attractive facility has contributed to patient satisfaction. Ms. Tran Thi Viet (57 years old), from Hamlet 5, who suffers from headaches, dizziness, and tremors in her hands and feet and is currently receiving treatment in the inpatient ward, shared: "Since the health station received investment in facilities and medical equipment, it has met the needs of our people. Especially after each examination, the doctors provide enthusiastic advice and guidance, helping us not only to be accurately diagnosed and prescribed the right medication but also to gain more experience in taking care of our own health."

Providing medical examinations for local residents at Hung Lam Commune Health Station (Hung Nguyen District).

Currently, the health station has 5 medical staff members (including 1 doctor, 2 midwives, 1 nurse, and 1 pharmacist), assigned tasks according to their qualifications and abilities. Simultaneously, the station proactively organizes on-the-job training to ensure that all staff members are proficient in one area and knowledgeable in many others, enabling them to support and handle each other's work. Weekly professional development sessions are held, analyzing the causes of any shortcomings in each staff member's performance so that everyone can contribute to improvement. As a result, the station has effectively provided primary healthcare to the people, avoiding professional errors. This has earned the trust of local residents and attracted many patients from neighboring areas, helping to reduce the burden on higher-level hospitals.

Since the beginning of the year, the health station has provided medical examinations and treatment to 2,600 people, including 792 people treated with a combination of traditional and modern medicine. Elderly people and children under 6 years old receive special attention, including regular health check-ups and advice on disease prevention and control. In addition, preventive health projects are implemented effectively, such as the expanded immunization program, malaria prevention, tuberculosis prevention, iodine deficiency disorders prevention, leprosy prevention, and HIV/AIDS prevention. The station also prioritizes introducing and guiding people in the use of readily available local medicinal herbs. The station's medicinal herb garden alone contains approximately 60 types, categorized into groups to guide people in using them to treat common ailments.

For many residents of Hung Lam commune, the health station has become a trusted place for medical examinations and treatment. Recognizing the shortcomings in equipment and operating conditions, the station is gradually overcoming difficulties to ensure primary healthcare and treatment for the people, contributing to reducing the burden on higher-level medical centers.

Text and photos:Ngoc Anh