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| The construction project of the second branches of and Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nam Province has been delayed since 2021. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn |
HÀ NỘI — Deputy Minister of Health Đỗ Xuân Tuyên has announced plans to complete the construction of the second branches of Việt Nam-Germany Friendship Hospital and Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nam Province by 2025.
These two projects, initiated in 2014 under the Prime Minister’s directive, aim to deliver high-quality healthcare closer to residents, improve access to advanced medical services and reduce overcrowding at central hospitals.
The projects were expected to be finished by 2017. The projects adopted a design-build-operate contract model, a novel approach in 2014, which caused difficulties during implementation.
In January 2021, construction was suspended by the contractor.
Since then, the Government, Ministry of Health and related agencies have actively reviewed and proposed solutions.
In 2023, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính established a task force to address the issues. More than 20 meetings were held to devise solutions, and the Ministry of Health presented a resolution plan to the Government in this January.
Construction resumed in November 2024. Tuyên affirmed that the ministry would continue coordinating with relevant agencies to resolve remaining obstacles.
Meanwhile, the Government Inspectorate has launched an investigation into the projects to evaluate legal compliance, identify shortcomings or violations and assign responsibilities.
The inspection will cover the period from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024, and may extend beyond these dates if necessary.
The inspection team, led by Ngô Đình Long, Deputy Director of Department 3, comprises 11 members. The investigation is scheduled to last 40 working days from the announcement date.
The findings are expected to evaluate legal compliance in the implementation of the two projects, determine the responsibilities of relevant organisations and individuals, uncover legal loopholes and recommend policy improvements.
The Central Steering Committee for Anti-corruption and Anti-wastefulness, chaired by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, has instructed that the inspection be concluded by March 31, 2025, to facilitate the timely operation of the two hospital branches. — VNS
