(VOVworld) – The 5^th National Military-Civil Medical Conference opened in Hanoi on Tuesday. In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam called for greater investment in medical facilities and equipment and improved training for medical personnel.

He praised the results of a program to provide medical check-ups and treatment for people and soldiers during the last 10 years. Mr. Dam asked the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health to strengthen grassroots medical centers in border and island areas: “The healthcare system in the border and island areas should be strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. Training for local ethnic minorities to become military doctors should also be considered.”