Difficulties from the grassroots
Statistics from the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Health show that from January 2021 to January 2025, more than 160 health workers resigned, including 84 doctors. This poses many challenges, especially the situation of health workers quitting their jobs at public facilities.
Most of the people who quit their jobs are experienced and highly qualified doctors, specialists, technicians and nurses who are directly involved in treating and caring for patients.
Meanwhile, many commune and district health facilities are lacking human resources, supplies and medicines. In many places, infrastructure is degraded, affecting medical examination and treatment.
Mr. Tran Anh Hung - Deputy Director in charge of the Krong Buk District Medical Center - said: "The unit lacks from 10 to 15 doctors in some important departments. This greatly affects medical examination and treatment activities. If an infectious disease outbreak occurs, the center will still try to respond by assigning concurrent staff and arranging more hospital beds, but the pressure will be very great."
The epidemic is complicated
The Dak Lak Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that since the beginning of the year, the province has recorded 55 cases of measles. Of these, 26 cases were reported on February 10 alone. The number of cases of influenza and respiratory diseases continues to increase. The health sector is reviewing seasonal flu cases and predicts that the number of respiratory diseases will continue to increase.
Mr. Hoang Hai Phuc - Director of CDC Dak Lak province - commented: "The erratic winter-spring weather, monsoon, and humidity create favorable conditions for infectious diseases, especially respiratory diseases, to spread rapidly."
To control the epidemic, the Dak Lak Provincial CDC has requested the Health Centers of districts, towns and cities to review the vaccination targets, implement catch-up vaccinations, and catch-up vaccinations for those who have not been vaccinated or have not received enough doses of measles vaccine. At the same time, units need to maintain and increase the vaccination rate in the Expanded Immunization Program to ensure community immunity for children.
Mr. Nay Phi La - Director of Dak Lak Province Department of Health - said: "Although seasonal flu is not a group A infectious disease, the health sector is not complacent. We have asked local health centers to be vigilant and promptly take patients for treatment when cases are detected. The authorities will focus on isolating and handling outbreaks to prevent widespread spread. Units will also be reviewed and supplemented with vaccines, supplies, and medicines to ensure epidemic prevention."
