Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam hailed the model as a good idea that has worked well around the world; however, it has yet to be implemented effectively in Vietnam.

He suggested improving initial healthcare services, including disease prevention and examination, and health consultation at grassroots medical stations.

The most urgent issue at present is reforming the financial mechanism at grassroots health clinics, he said, adding that the mountainous areas need more medical stations.

According to Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, as of last December 2015, the ministry set up 240 family doctor clinics at six centrally-run cities and provinces, surpassing the set target of 80.

Of which, 234 public family doctor clinics accepted health insurance payments.

The ministry established a steering committee to implement a project on building and developing family doctor models in 2016-2020.

It requested the People’s Committees of cities and provinces to make more investment in health facilities at the grassroots level and expand family doctor models in particular.

Provincial and municipal health departments, it was suggested, coordinate with relevant departments and sectors to build plans and roadmaps to expand this model across all localities.