On Tuesday, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Dang Viet Dung warmly received Dr Shin Young-soo, the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

Dr Shin (left) and Vice Chairman Dung

Vice Chairman Dung remarked that, over recent years, the focus has been on training high-quality human resources for the local healthcare sector and building more public hospitals and medical centres from municipal to ward levels.

Most notably, there are currently 15 doctors per 10,000 people, and the local health insurance coverage rate is 96%.

The host also remarked that greater efforts will be made to ensure the sustainable development of the city’s healthcare sector, with a focus on perfecting the local public healthcare system.

He also said that he would like WHO to help Da Nang to promote disease prevention and control, as well as to improve the quality of medical services for local residents, especially those living in mountainous areas. 

In reply, Dr Shin spoke highly of the city’s remarkable achievements in improving the quality of medical services in local mountainous areas, as well as in expanding the local health insurance coverage over recent years.

The guest proposed that the city should develop a modern medical system in an effective and economical manner in the years ahead.

He also affirmed that WHO is willing to assist Da Nang in ensuring the best healthcare services for local residents, with a focus on enhancing the development of public medical establishments and realising the city’s healthcare development goals.