Accordingly, they will jointly implement a technical assistance project on capacity building for orderlies who have newly-graduated from medical colleges and universities in Dien Bien, Vinh Phuc, Binh Dinh and Dong Nai provinces and orderly practitioners in Bach Mai and St. Paul hospitals in Hanoi.

About 36,000-40,000 orderlies have graduated from 150 training schools in Vietnam. However, their capacity is not ensured as a standard training program is lacking.

A training program developed under the framework of a joint project between the JICA and MoH will ensure minimum capacity for orderlies across the country, according to JICA.

Vietnam and ASEAN member countries have signed a framework agreement on mutual recognition arrangement on medical practitioners. Accordingly, citizens with legal working certificates are allowed to work in ASEAN countries. However, as Vietnam is running short of professional orderlies it should standardize and enhance the training system to build the capacity for the newly graduates and improve the quality of the medical staff.