Elderly healthcare yet to meet demand in Vietnam

 11-Aug-16, The Voice Of Vietnam

Deputy Minister of Health Pham Le Tuan made the comment at a conference on developing the healthcare system for the elderly in Hanoi on August 10.

Only 36% of provincial hospitals have geriatric wards but their activities are integrated with other departments, Tuan noted, adding that the Ministry of Health plans to enhance the capacity of geriatric wards, aiming at comprehensive health care services at hospitals. The ministry has also studied giving financial support to treatment of the elderly.

Image: The Voice Of Vietnam

According to a national census conducted in 2011, there were more than 8.6 million people aged 60 years-old and above in Vietnam, accounting for nearly 10% of the total population while the rate of over 65 years-old was 7%. The number of elderly people was predicted to rise rapidly in the coming years.

The survey also revealed that 95% of the old people were in poor health or had chronic diseases.

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