On the evening of February 26, the Central Commission for Propaganda and Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, held a grand ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s letter to the healthcare sector.

The event, themed The Heroic Anthem of White-Coated Warriors, honored the contributions of medical professionals throughout Vietnam’s history.

A legacy of resilience and medical breakthroughs

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan emphasized the unwavering dedication of Vietnamese healthcare workers over the past 70 years.

During wartime, medical professionals stood alongside soldiers on the front lines, providing critical care despite limited resources and life-threatening conditions. Many sacrificed their lives to ensure that wounded soldiers and civilians received treatment.

In peacetime, Vietnam’s healthcare system has expanded nationwide, from central hospitals to rural clinics. Major public health initiatives, including expanded immunization programs and epidemic control measures, have strengthened the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters demonstrated the sector’s resilience, with medical professionals working tirelessly to safeguard public health.

Vietnam’s medical advancements on the global stage

Vietnam has made significant strides in modern medicine, successfully implementing complex procedures such as organ transplantation, nuclear medicine applications, cardiovascular interventions, and stem cell transplants. These achievements have positioned Vietnam as a notable player in the global medical community.

Despite ongoing challenges, the healthcare sector continues to innovate. Future plans include:

Expanding training and scientific research

Strengthening healthcare policies and regulations

Enhancing primary healthcare services

Improving the quality of medical staff and infrastructure

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man praised the dedication and sacrifices of Vietnam’s healthcare professionals. He reaffirmed that healthcare remains a top priority for the government, urging the sector to implement key policies that improve public access to high-quality medical services.

Man emphasized that Vietnam must build a scientific, inclusive, and people-centered healthcare system, ensuring that every citizen receives quality medical care regardless of location or economic status.

Honoring Vietnam’s medical pioneers

As part of the event, the Ministry of Health paid tribute to five legendary figures who shaped Vietnam’s medical landscape:

Professor Ho Dac Di, Vietnam’s first medical professor and surgeon, whose 30+ research projects transformed the nation’s medical education system.

Dr. Pham Ngoc Thach, the country’s first Minister of Health, who sacrificed his life on the battlefield in 1968 while dedicated to improving healthcare access.

Professor Dang Van Ngu, a bacteriologist who developed Vietnam’s first penicillin production, saving countless lives before his passing in 1967 during wartime efforts.

Professor Ton That Tung, a pioneer in liver surgery and the first to research the long-term effects of Agent Orange/dioxin exposure on human health.

Professor Dang Van Chung, who laid the foundation for internal medicine training at Bach Mai Hospital and Hanoi Medical University, mentoring generations of doctors.

Milestones in Vietnam’s healthcare history

1945: Establishment of the Ministry of Health

1950: First successful domestic production of penicillin

1961: Development of vaccines for polio and tuberculosis

1978: Eradication of smallpox in Vietnam

2000: Official eradication of polio in Vietnam

2003: Vietnam becomes the first country to successfully control the SARS outbreak

With nearly half a million doctors, nurses, and medical personnel across the country, Vietnam’s healthcare sector remains committed to its mission of improving public health and advancing medical science.

Phuong Thuy