NA’s Q&A session: Health Minister urges localities to speed up COVID-19 vaccinations
Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long urged localities nationwide to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage as soon as possible during a question-and-answer session during the 15th legislature’s second sitting in Hanoi on November 10.
Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long at the session (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long urged localities nationwide to increase COVID-19 vaccine coverage as soon as possible during a question-and-answer session during the 15th legislature’s second sitting in Hanoi on November 10.
At thesession, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long answered questions regardinganti-pandemic and vaccine strategies; the supply and management of medicalsupplies, COVID-19 medicines and biological products; policies for frontliners, resources for health care system at the grassroots level to improvetheir capacity, especially those in disadvantaged areas; orientations for training and special incentives for medical staff, and others.
Accordingto him, the Ministry of Health issued Decision No.4800/QD-BYT that onlyrequires testing for those of high-risk groups, those from at-risk areas or areassubject to lockdown, every 7-14 days. He said the ministry does not askcitizens to take tests within 72 hours, except those wishing to travel abroador returning from pandemic-hit areas.
Hecited the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s forecast as saying that COVID-19will become similar to influenza by 2023. In the near future, the ministry willwork with WHO to gain more experience in pandemic forecasting.
As the pandemic willremain complicated between now and the year’s end, Long asked localities to payfurther attention to pandemic prevention and control, especially accelerating vaccinations. He added that the vaccine strategy has been a success in three aspects.
༺ About vaccine purchaseand import, he said Vietnam has contracted for nearly 200 million doses, whichcould be higher in the near future and enough for fully vaccinating people agedabove 12. For booster shots, a plan will be devised later this year.
Illustrative image (Photo; VNA)
Vietnam has so far givenover 90 million shots, he said, adding that the ministry directed localities tospeed up vaccinations, including first and second shots.
On vaccine efficiency,he affirmed that vaccines have proved safe and effective in reducing seriouscases, with efficiency up to 93-96 percent.
ꦑ Regarding questions about when Vietnam will approve and put into use domesticvaccines, he said two units are in the third stage of clinical trials. Theministry will reduce administrative procedures to facilitate the approval process./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested intensifying measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as the number of new cases continue rising across the country, according to a dispatch released by the Government Office on November 7 detailing the PM’s directions on continuing to strengthen the implementation of pandemic prevention and control measures.
The Ministry of Health has provided guidelines to localities on COVID-19 vaccination as part of efforts to allow students to return to school, Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen said at a press conference following the Government's regular meeting for October.
Three ministers have presented explanations on issues of National Assembly deputies’ concern during the NA’s plenary meeting on November 9, the second working day of the second phase of the 15th legislature’s second session, which is being held in the in-person form.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long at the session (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative image (Photo; VNA) 
