Step by step to remove obstacles
To reduce the pressure, in 2017, the People's Committee of Can Tho City approved the Oncology Hospital Project with an area of 17,000m2, with a total capital of more than 1,700 billion VND from ODA loans from the Hungarian Government and the city counterpart. However, due to the loan contract expiring, the project had to stop construction in 2022, only completing more than 21% of the contract volume, of which the construction item reached 82% and the equipment installation was 16%.
According to our records, in the past 3 years, the hospital has been almost deserted, with materials arranged in chaos, and rusty equipment. The hospital space was damp, with moss and mold on the walls, and many areas were flooded.
However, strong political determination has lit up a ray of hope for the project to revive. Especially in mid-2025, when Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gave strong instructions to continue using domestic capital to complete this project in 2026. Accordingly, on October 19, during a working trip to Can Tho, the Prime Minister directed Can Tho to propose immediately purchasing 2 radiotherapy machines; quickly complete related procedures to restart the unfinished project.
Regarding the Project, on October 14, the Government Inspectorate concluded that it pointed out many limitations and shortcomings. Immediately after that, Can Tho City gradually removed the obstacles, determined not to let the project continue to become a "bottleneck" in the hearts of the people.
At the thematic session of the Can Tho City People's Council on November 14, a resolution to adjust the investment policy of this project was approved. The capital structure includes Hungarian ODA loans of more than VND 272 billion, central budget capital of VND 1,334 billion and local counterpart capital of more than VND 465 billion. The total investment is adjusted to increase by about VND 344 billion due to exchange rate differences, bringing the total expected capital to VND 2,071 billion.
Director of the Can Tho City Department of Health Hoang Quoc Cuong said that adjusting the investment policy by using domestic capital as a basis for implementing the next steps to continue implementing this project.
Contractors take proactive measures early
According to the reporter, the inside of the project has been cleaned, and some areas have been neatly renovated.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Nguyen Manh Tri, Deputy Director of Bach Dang 15 Construction Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (main contractor of Bach Dang Construction Corporation, a joint venture contractor of the project) said that the unit has prepared a number of small auxiliary items (such as ensuring the back fence and aesthetics in front of the yard) while waiting for the official decision from the project investor at the end of this month.
"We want that when Can Tho City provides capital, we can be proactive and be able to start running as soon as possible to complete the project according to the Prime Minister's direction. We know that the project is not only the desire of Can Tho people, but also the people of the Mekong Delta and the whole country look forward to it, said Mr. Tri.
Although worried about some materials and supplies that have previously expired or are worn out, causing waste, Mr. Tri emphasized that with the responsibility of the unit, he is confident that he will ensure the construction progress and quality of the project.
Realizing the goal of a medical center
The commitment along with the determination of the political system is opening a new chapter for oncology in the Mekong Delta.This is in the promise of no more radiotherapy nights at 2-3 am in the future, the scene of 2-3 patients lying in the same fragile hospital bed.
Dr. Vo Van Kha - Director of Can Tho City Oncology Hospital also informed that the Hospital was approved by the Prime Minister as the center in charge of specialized oncology in the Mekong Delta.Thus, the role of the hospital will create connections and networks, specifically reducing the burden of cancer for people.
Mr. Kha added that currently, the majority of the hospital's medical staff and medical staff are trained with high quality. When the new facility is completed spaciously with a modern machinery and equipment system, it will also contribute to retaining workers to contribute to the hospital and the regional health sector.
