Doctor secondment helps strengthen healthcare services for residents

In the context of primary healthcare facilities still facing significant shortages in human resources, the policy of physician secondment has proven to be highly effective. In Thai Nguyen, since April 2026, doctors from higher-level hospitals have been deployed to grassroots facilities, directly providing medical examinations and treatment, transferring techniques, and improving the quality of healthcare services for residents. Practical observations show that this model not only addresses staffing shortages but also helps strengthen public trust in the healthcare system.

Dr. Trinh Duc Hieu, from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Thai Nguyen National Hospital, is one of the two doctors assigned to work on secondment at Nam Hoa Commune Health Station. There, Dr. Hieu has quickly adapted to the working conditions at the grassroots level, directly participating in medical examinations, consultations, and treatment for local people. “I will do my best to dedicate myself to the people and help everyone,” Dr. Hieu said.

Mrs. Tran Thi Bich from Van Han commune, a patient at the Nam Hoa Commune Health Station, said: “The doctors are very attentive. They measured my blood pressure before examining and giving me an injection.”

Meanwhile, Bac Kan General Hospital has assigned five doctors to be seconded to commune health stations in four disadvantaged communes. The sense of responsibility and willingness to serve the community among medical staff has made a positive impact, helping the secondment policy become more substantive and deliver long-term effectiveness in healthcare for people in remote areas.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Son, Director of Bac Kan General Hospital, shared: “Before sending doctors on secondment, we worked with commune health stations to assess their needs. Based on that, doctors are assigned in three-month cycles, from now until the end of 2030.”

To date, Thai Nguyen province has deployed 48 seconded doctors to 35 communes and wards, basically meeting the healthcare needs of residents. People now have better access to medical services, saving both costs and travel time, while also strengthening their trust in the grassroots healthcare system.

Mr. Dinh Manh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Thai Nguyen Department of Health, stressed: “Since April 1, 2026, all commune health stations in Thai Nguyen province have had a full complement of four doctors. As a result, these facilities have significantly improved their capacity to handle medical cases at the local level.”

It can be affirmed that strengthening the deployment of doctors to commune-level facilities is a correct direction, contributing to improving primary healthcare quality. This also concretizes Resolution No. 72 of the Politburo on breakthrough solutions to strengthen the protection, care, and improvement of public health, starting with reinforcing the grassroots healthcare system.