Project News

In June 12-13, 2013, a kick-off Meeting for "The Project for strengthening Medical Service in Northwest Provinces" was held in Hoa Binh Province for introducing the Project outline and an announcement for starting of the Project to C/Ps (counterpart). 80 participants, including Vice Minister of MoH (Ministry of Health), main C/Ps from MSA (Medical Service Administration) and 6 targeted provinces (Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau provinces), representatives from National Hospitals and representatives from related JICA projects, attended this meeting.

Overview Kick-off Meeting 12/06/2013

Vice Minister, Senior Representative JICA Vietnam Office, and participants at the Kick-off meeting in the photo sessiion

The meeting started with Opening Remarks by Ms. Vice Minister of Health, Representative of JICA Vietnam and the Vice Chairman of People's Committee of Hoa Binh Province. The project has received great concern and support from leaders of MoH, as well as from 6 targeted provinces. In the morning, representative of MoH and JICA Vietnam has signed the Implementation Plan in 2013 under the witness of all leaders and members of PMUs. Participants were then introduced the detailed project's Plan of Operation in 2013 and guidance for creating each province's implementation plan. Since Hoa Binh province was targeted site for previous project named "the Project for Strengthening Health Service Provision in Hoa Binh", they shared their experiences of previous project in the Kick-off Meeting.

In Group Discussion Session in the afternoon, all the members of provinces' PMUs has worked together to make their own plan and received much contribution and advices from Central PMU, Chief Advisor and Leaders of National Hospitals.

Representative of Son La Province gave presentation on implementation plan

Group Discussion – Lao Cai Province

Meeting at Kim Boi Hospital District

On the second day, participants had chance to experience the Referral and DOHA network in Hoa Binh General Hospital and District hospital. At the end of the day, 6 provinces showed a strong commitment to the success of the project.

Information on the Kick-off Meeting and the Project is published widely on popular online and printed newspapers in Vietnam accordingly. Samples of articles are as below:

1. Health and Life Newspaper – Ministry of Health
http://suckhoedoisong.vn/20130614112545569p30c87/ica-ho-tro-nang-cao-nang-luc-y-te-khu-vuc-tay-bac.htm

2. Vietnam Times

3. Vietnamplus
http://www.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Trien-khai-du-an-nang-cao-nang-luc-y-te-vung-Tay-Bac/20136/201922.vnplus

4. Vietnam Investment Review