Access To High-quality Health Care Eludes Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam (AHN) - Access to high-quality health care eludes Vietnam, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Urban hospitals are overcrowded while rural areas lack facilities, it says.

"Despite investments in the health sector and improvements in key health indicators, Vietnam continues to face hurdles in providing equal access to high-quality health services," says Lisa Studdert, Health Specialist of ADB's Southeast Asia Department.

"Despite a booming economy and investments in the nation's health care systems, Viet Nam continues to face challenges in providing high-quality health services to all its people," ADB says on its website.

ADB and its development partners are now helping design support to Vietnam's efforts to develop policies that will improve public health care.

The Japan Special Fund is extending a $500,000 grant while Australia will provide $180,000 for the preparation of a feasibility study to develop and improved health system for the country. Vietnam will contribute $150,000 to the program that will be managed by ADB.

The program, aimed to accelerate improvements in health services, is the second for Vietnam's health sector.