On the afternoon of January 6, in an exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper by phone, Mr. Tran Quang Hien - Director of An Giang Provincial Department of Health - said that starting from January 1, 2026, 298 health stations under health centers directly under An Giang Provincial Department of Health have been transferred to commune-level People's Committees in the area for management.
According to Mr. Hien, one of the top requirements placed by An Giang province in the transfer process is not to interrupt medical examination and treatment, vaccination, epidemic prevention and control and national health programs. Health stations still maintain the implementation of professional tasks according to the guidance and direction on professional and nghiep vu of the health sector; and are subject to comprehensive management by the commune-level People's Committee on organization, personnel, facilities and operating conditions.
The Director of An Giang Provincial Department of Health also informed that before implementing the transfer, the Department of Health had closely coordinated with the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Finance and commune-level People's Committees in the area to review the human resources, equipment, and infrastructure of each health station. On that basis, localities developed appropriate reception plans, ensuring the rights of health officials and maintaining the stability of the operating apparatus.
According to Mr. Hien, bringing the health station to the commune-level People's Committee for management is assessed as creating conditions for local authorities to be more proactive in primary health care for people. When directly managing, the commune-level People's Committee can promptly grasp the actual needs of people, thereby arranging resources, mobilizing socialization and integrating health with socio-economic development programs in the locality.
The Director of An Giang Provincial Department of Health shared that although transferred to the commune-level People's Committee for management, health stations are still identified as the closest health tuyen to the people, holding the role of "blood bone" in the grassroots health system. An Giang Department of Health will continue to perform the function of state management in terms of expertise and technology; organize training and fostering to improve the capacity of doctors and nurses at health stations.
At the same time, also coordinate with localities to strengthen inspection and supervision of the operation of health stations after transfer, promptly remove difficulties and obstacles arising. In which, the issue of human resources, policies for grassroots health workers and operating funds are contents that are of particular concern.
