The event offered a chance for leaders of the health sector of Vietnam and HCM City and businesses of both countries to discuss solutions to boost healthcare cooperation between HCM City and the US in order to meet demand of people in Vietnam and ASEAN.
In his opening speech, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong recalled important milestones in Vietnam-US relations. He attributed the development of the bilateral ties to tenacious and ceaseless efforts by leaders and people of the two nations across all fields, in which healthcare cooperation has played a significant part.
Vietnam and the US marked the first healthcare cooperation activity with a programme designed to aid people with disabilities launched 30 years ago to overcome war consequences, he noted.
At present, the bilateral medical collaboration has expanded to other spheres, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and seasonal influenza prevention and control, healthcare for military personnel, response to African swine flu outbreaks, and most recently in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
HCM City aims to set up a high-tech healthcare centre in the coming time in tandem with medical tourism development to attract more tourists to the city, he said.
It will also strive to turn traditional medicine into a highlight of the city’s medical tourism and the pharmaceutical industry into a spearhead economic sector, as well as ensure sufficient supply of medicine and vaccines, Phong added.
Joining the virtual dialogue, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts in promoting healthcare development in recent years and curbing the spread of COVID-19.
He affirmed that the fight against the ravaging pandemic is an outstanding milestone, marking joint efforts in mutual support and learning each other between the US and Vietnam during the past 25 years.
US businesses and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AMCHAM Vietnam) have paid heed to supporting Vietnam in the field of healthcare, the diplomat said.
At the dialogue, US companies voiced their hope to continue joining hands with medical schools and facilities in the city.
The event also witnessed the launch of the AmCham Vietnam’s 2020 Healthcare White Book, highlighting innovative products and services US healthcare companies offer in Vietnam, policy recommendations to promote the health and wellness of Vietnam’s population and support the growing strength of Vietnam’s healthcare industry.
