Shortage of human resources in the field of rehabilitation for patients in Vietnam

The rate of human resources in the rehabilitation industry in Vietnam is very low, not meeting the needs of people in the trend of population aging.

Doctors at the Rehabilitation and Occupational Disease Treatment Hospital (HCMC) are treating patients at the hospital - Photo: XUAN MAI

On November 22, the Rehabilitation and Occupational Disease Treatment Hospital (HCMC) held the 2024 Annual Rehabilitation Science and Technology Conference.

Dr. Vuong Anh Duong - Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) - said that rehabilitation in Vietnam has made certain progress, people's needs are increasing due to the aging population trend, the increase in chronic diseases, especially Vietnam suffers many consequences of war and Agent Orange.

However, the rehabilitation sector is currently facing many difficulties such as the limited network of facilities, the whole country has 49 central rehabilitation hospitals, 47 local hospitals, some localities have merged rehabilitation with other facilities...

Human resources compared to people's needs only meet 50-60% of the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Rehabilitation facilities are seriously lacking in human resources, facilities, equipment, etc.

Professor Cao Minh Chau - General Secretary of the Vietnam Rehabilitation Association - also said that if in the past rehabilitation only involved simple massage and stretching, now rehabilitation workers must have knowledge and skills, and must know internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and pediatrics.

"Currently, there is a shortage of rehabilitation human resources, compared to other countries in the region, we are not equal.

According to current statistics, only 0.25 people/10,000 people is too little. We strive to reach 0.5 people/10,000 people by 2030. Therefore, schools and facilities need to continuously train and provide human resources," said Professor Chau.

Dr. Phan Minh Hoang - Director of the Hospital for Rehabilitation and Occupational Disease Treatment (HCMC) - said that rehabilitation is increasingly proving its indispensable role in treating patients after trauma, surgery or patients with chronic diseases.

Rehabilitation methods help patients restore health, improve motor function and enhance quality of life.

Why is it necessary to add rehabilitation staff?

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Vietnam is one of the countries with a great need for rehabilitation.

It is estimated that 7% of the population aged 2 years and over are disabled, and there are currently about 4 million people affected by toxic chemicals.

Aging population, disease patterns, cardiovascular disease, stroke, mental illness, COVID-19 pandemic… increase the number of people needing rehabilitation.

Although the need for rehabilitation is huge, some localities have merged rehabilitation with other facilities.

The Ministry of Health has set a target that by 2030, 90% of provinces and cities will implement community-based rehabilitation models and the number of health workers working in the rehabilitation field will reach at least 0.5 people/10,000 people.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thieu-hut-nhan-luc-linh-vuc-phuc-hoi-chuc-nang-cho-nguoi-benh-tai-viet-nam-2024112212520719.htm