He emphasized: “You must love and care for patients; they entrust their lives to you. The government entrusts you with the responsibility of treating illnesses and protecting people’s health. This is a noble duty. Therefore, healthcare professionals must treat patients with the same care and affection as their own family members; their pain must be felt as your own. A physician must be like a kind-hearted mother”.

This profound message led to the establishment of February 27 as the traditional day of Việt Nam’s healthcare sector (also known as Vietnamese Doctors’ Day) in 1985, honoring healthcare workers’ contributions to protecting and improving public health.

Over the past 70 years, Điện Biên’s healthcare sector has overcome numerous challenges to achieve significant milestones, building on the heroic tradition of Điện Biên Phủ and the noble tradition of the sector. The quality of healthcare services has continuously improved, with medical staff increasingly focused on patient-centered care. As a result, public trust in the healthcare sector has been strengthened, contributing to economic growth, social welfare, and a more peaceful life for the people.

This achievement is attributed to the tireless efforts, contributions, and sacrifices of generations of medical professionals in Điện Biên Province. In its early days, Điện Biên’s healthcare system faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of doctors, medicines, and vaccines, while diseases like malaria, smallpox, and measles were prevalent. Despite these challenges, the sector has made remarkable progress, inspired by the province’s heroic tradition and the sector’s noble values.

Under the leadership of the Party Committee and local authorities, healthcare personnel in Điện Biên have made tremendous efforts to overcome challenges, working creatively and selflessly to provide outstanding medical care and protection to the community.

As a result, the province’s healthcare sector has seen significant growth, with a well-established organizational system, expanded workforce, and continuously improving quality. The sector now boasts nearly 3,100 personnel, a 2.16-fold increase since 2004. Notably, 833 staff members hold master’s or medical doctor degrees, representing a 4.2-fold increase since 2004. This translates to 12.68 doctors per 10,000 people, an 8.09-fold increase since 2004. The province’s healthcare sector has achieved impressive results, meeting and exceeding 8 out of 14 targets set by the 14th Provincial Party Congress. Key health indicators have reached high levels, surpassing those of neighboring provinces. Điện Biên’s healthcare network has expanded dramatically, from a humble beginning with minimal infrastructure, no doctors, and shortages of medicine and vaccines.

Today, the sector comprises 22 units, including 4 provincial-level hospitals with 840 beds, and 4 provincial specialized centers. Meanwhile, 10 district-level medical centers with multi-functional services have 1,260 beds; and 7 regional clinics have 80 beds. Notably, 100% of communes now have medical staff. The health of the province’s ethnic populations has improved significantly, with many life-threatening diseases (such as malaria, smallpox, polio, and leprosy) largely eradicated. Life expectancy has increased, and maternal and child mortality rates have declined substantially.

Over the past 70 years, numerous collectives and individuals within Điện Biên’s healthcare sector have received prestigious awards and titles, including the esteemed “People’s Physician” and “Meritorious Physician” honors, as well as medical awards such as the “Hải Thượng Lãn Ông” and “Đặng Văn Ngữ” prizes.

As the province reflects on seven decades of implementing President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings, the entire healthcare workforce proudly reports their achievements to the Party and the beloved President, highlighting Điện Biên’s healthcare sector as a shining example of patriotism, growth, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, the sector has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing exceptional care and protection to the community. Moving forward, Điện Biên’s healthcare sector will focus on several key objectives:  

Firstly, consolidating and enhancing healthcare infrastructure: strengthening the foundational healthcare network, particularly at the grassroots level, ensuring accessible and affordable basic healthcare services for all citizens.

Secondly, upgrading healthcare facilities and equipment: enhancing healthcare facilities and equipment, especially in rural areas, to provide high-quality medical services.

Thirdly, intensifying preventive healthcare and disease surveillance: implementing comprehensive preventive healthcare measures and strengthening disease surveillance to detect and prevent outbreaks.

Fourthly, promoting socialized healthcare: fostering socialized healthcare initiatives, leveraging resources to develop healthcare services that cater to the needs of the community during the country’s industrialization and modernization period, while contributing to socio-economic development, national defense, and ethnic unity within the province.

Điện Biên’s healthcare team has consistently embodied President Hồ Chí Minh’s wise words, “A physician must be like a kind-hearted mother” and adhered to the guiding principle of “bright medical ethics, profound medical theory, and skilled medical techniques”. This dedication has driven their relentless pursuit of professional growth, ethical development, and selfless service to the community and patients. The province’s healthcare professionals have effectively utilized modern medical equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and quality patient care, all while avoiding unnecessary expenses that could burden the local population, particularly the underprivileged.

Protecting and caring for public health is a vital task that directly impacts human life. Consequently, healthcare personnel must continually refine their skills, combining expertise with compassion, and maintain a genuine commitment to their work. Given the notable achievements of Điện Biên’s healthcare sector in recent years, it is reasonable to expect even greater accomplishments in the future.