THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
In his opening remarks, Professor Lê Vũ Anh, President of the Vietnam Public Health Association, emphasized that the role of private healthcare in the health system has not been fully acknowledged, especially during outbreaks like COVID-19. He called for stronger policy support to fully harness the potential of private healthcare in combating infectious diseases, particularly malaria.
REPORTS FROM THE PROVINCES
Dr. Phan Vu Ho from Gia Lai CDC highlighted the significant reduction in malaria cases in the province, from 1,766 cases in 2019 to just 3 cases by October 2024. With the goal of eliminating malaria in all districts by 2028, Gia Lai underscored the critical role of private healthcare in identifying and managing cases.
Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh from Đắk Lắk CDC presented a plan to eliminate malaria by 2026. He also shared the considerable contributions of private healthcare to malaria prevention and control in the province. He proposed stronger incentives to encourage private healthcare providers to actively engage in surveillance, detection, and case management.
Dr. Huynh Van nh from Bình Phước CDC reported a similar decline in malaria cases in his province. He emphasized the importance of training private healthcare staff in using ICDN and MMS reporting software to enhance efficiency in case reporting and management.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOLUTIONS
The workshop discussed several strategies to increase the participation of private healthcare providers in malaria prevention:
- Maintaining and expanding the network of private healthcare providers engaged in malaria control.
- Strengthening public-private collaboration to share information and improve case detection and management.
- Developing an efficient online reporting system and leveraging information technology for communication and monitoring.
Project representatives also suggested piloting malaria treatment in private clinics and enhancing support for materials and training to improve the capacity of private healthcare providers.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
During group discussions, participants focused on the role of private healthcare in malaria control and elimination.
Notable contributions included:
- Dr. Long from Bình Phước shared international experiences in mobilizing private healthcare, emphasizing the importance of supportive policies, continuous training, and effective coordination between public and private health sectors.
- Representatives of private clinics requested additional financial and technical support, especially in underserved areas.
- Private pharmacy representatives called for improved coordination mechanisms and increased community awareness campaigns on malaria.
WORKSHOP CONCLUSION
The workshop concluded with a consensus on key solutions:
- Regular training and capacity building for private healthcare providers.
- Ensuring financial and material resources to support private healthcare in malaria detection and treatment.
- Strengthening public-private collaboration, particularly in data sharing and coordinated case management.
Professor Lê Vũ Anh summarized the workshop by reaffirming the strategic role of private healthcare in the health system and highlighting the necessity of effective public-private coordination mechanisms. He called on participants to continue contributing ideas to refine policies and integrate malaria control activities into annual plans, aiming for malaria elimination by 2030.
