Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has spoken of the need for more investment in grassroots healthcare services, especially in disadvantaged localities.

Phuc made the appeal during a ceremony in Cao Ky commune in Bac Kan Province yesterday to officially launch the building a medical station, the first of 70 health clinics for disadvantaged communes in the northwestern region.

The well-equipped facility will cost more than VND5 billion (US$238,000), with VND3.5 billion provided by the EU as non-refundable aid.

The Deputy PM reminded the health sector to send more doctors to remote areas and provide incentives for medical staff who do the same.

He said the Ministry of Health should seek investments in healthcare improvements at the grassroots level and closely supervise the construction of clinics to avoid waste.

To improve the quality of health services in the northwestern region, the ministry has proposed that the Government allocate more than VND310 billion from the EU's non-refundable aid to build 89 medical stations in communes facing challenging conditions.

This would include 70 health clinics in 14 northern mountainous provinces, Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said.

Deputy PM Phuc and Minister Tien also presented 500 gifts to poor residents in Cao Ky commune, where 98 per cent of the population consists of ethnic people.

The same day, the hospital in Thai Nguyen Province sent 50 doctors and nurses to provide free check-ups and medicine for people in Cao Ky Commune.