Speaking at the 2nd National Cancer Nursing Workshop organized by K Hospital in collaboration with the Vietnam Nursing Association on May 23, Dr. Duong Huy Luong - Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) - acknowledged the important contributions of the cancer-specialized nursing team in areas such as policy making, management organization, training, practice and scientific research. At the same time, he also frankly pointed out the remaining challenges, including human resource shortages, uneven professional capacity, limited treatment and social prejudices for nursing.
Prof. Dr. Le Van Quang - Director of K Hospital - emphasized that cancer prevention and control is still a big challenge for global medicine. In particular, nursing plays a particularly important role, not only performing professional techniques but also supporting the spirit, managing side effects and accompanying patients during treatment.
Nursing requires acumen, affection and extensive expertise. The World Health Organization has affirmed that nursing care services are one of the pillars of the health system, said Prof. Dr. Le Van Quang.
At K Hospital, the nursing team - the " Soldiers" on the front line in caring for the health of patients. MSc. Nguyen Thuy Hong - Head of the Neurosurgery Department (K Hospital) - shared that she has been involved in the nursing industry for 28 years, especially in the field of oncology - neurology.
She emphasized that this specialized nursing profession has more characteristics and pressures, requiring continuous care and attention every minute so as not to affect the patient's treatment opportunities.
She recounted many emergency situations such as diabetic patients, when nurses handle them promptly and professionally, it will help patients quickly overcome the danger. We always strive to improve our expertise and focus on caring for patients to reduce pain.
Many places still consider nurses as just those who serve and follow doctor's orders. Nursing training and practice have not met practical and integration requirements, Dr. Duong Huy Luong shared.
He also emphasized that the health sector will continue to focus on developing nursing human resources, improving working conditions, upgrading equipment and applying modern technology to improve the quality of patient care, towards the goal of comprehensive care and sustainable development of the health system.
There is a serious shortage of nursing human resources. The number of nurses lacking is double. In 2024, the estimated nursing rate in Vietnam will reach 18/10,000 people, much lower than the average in the world.
The Ministry of Health's health network planning report 2021 - 2030, vision 2050, proposes a target of reaching 15 doctors and 25 nurses per 10,000 people by 2025; by 2030, reaching 19 doctors and 33 nurses per 10,000 people.
The Ministry of Health predicts that the demand for medical human resources will increase, especially the shortage of nurses will be double compared to doctors after 2030.
In the period of 2021 - 2030, the whole country needs to add about 173,400 doctors and 313,900 nurses, of which the Red River Delta region needs the most with 43,500 doctors and 76,100 nurses
