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.”

These words still resonate deeply in the hearts of Vietnamese medical professionals today.

February 27, also known as the Vietnamese Doctors’ Day, has become a sacred and meaningful day for the healthcare sector and medical professionals - an occasion to express respect, honor, and express gratitude to those dedicated to the medical profession in Vietnam.

As a mountainous, border province with complex terrain and socio-economic challenges, Điện Biên’s healthcare sector shoulders a particularly heavy yet noble responsibility. Generations of healthcare professionals in Điện Biên have been wholeheartedly committed to bringing the light of medicine to remote, highland, and border areas.

Despite remarkable achievements over the years, Điện Biên’s healthcare sector remains acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Addressing these challenges requires unity, efforts, and determination to build upon the sector’s 70-year tradition of development.

Over the recent years, Điện Biên’s healthcare system has made significant advancements, and further strengthened its organizational structure, workforce, and medical ethics while continuously improving the quality and modernity of healthcare services.

The province’s healthcare sector has made significant progress, with health indicators among the highest compared to neighboring provinces. The healthcare system has been expanded and strengthened from provincial to grassroots levels.

In the past, Điện Biên had only a poorly developed healthcare system with minimal infrastructure, a shortage of doctors, medicines, and vaccines. However, the province has now a comprehensive healthcare network, including: 22 healthcare units, 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 quality of medical services has improved significantly, with advanced techniques that previously required transfers to central hospitals now being performed at the Điện Biên Provincial General Hospital, including Hemofiltration technology, laparoscopic surgery, laser lithotripsy for urinary stones, vertebroplasty (bone cement injection for spinal fractures). These advancements have saved many critically ill patients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sacrifices and hardships of frontline healthcare workers, known as the “white-blouse soldiers,” became clear. Wearing full protective gear, soaked in sweat, with pale, wrinkled hands and exhausted eyes, they relentlessly tracked infections under the scorching sun.

The selfless sacrifices and unwavering dedication of these healthcare workers for public health were immeasurable. Despite facing prolonged separation from their families, harsh working conditions, and constant exposure to infection, they remained resolute in their mission: “Leave no one behind.” The immense pressure and hardships never diminished their determination.

While there have been many successes, the path forward remains challenging. Điện Biên’s healthcare sector must acknowledge its limitations and work towards overcoming them to better serve the community and uphold the trust of the Party and the people.

The Vietnamese Doctors’ Day (February 27) is not only a day to honor the medical profession but also a reminder for society to support and share the burdens of healthcare professionals.

In order to uphold the public’s trust and fulfill its responsibilities, Điện Biên’s healthcare sector must strive for new breakthroughs, continuously improve medical expertise and ethics following Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings, develop a highly skilled medical workforce, and master medical technology and adopt advanced techniques in treatment and disease prevention.

By overcoming difficulties and challenges, the healthcare workforce will continue fulfilling its noble mission of caring for public health and contributing to Điện Biên’s socio-economic development goals.