Trust me im lying

Chairing the event, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong said the Politburo and the PCC’s Secretariat highly value the great contributions that the former officials have made to the Party, people and country during the time they held important positions in central and local agencies.

He highlighted that the country had reaped comprehensive achievements last year. The entire Party, people and army stood united and fulfilled the working programme for the tenure.

After the 13th National Party Congress, the people have demonstrated their trust in the Party’s leadership and the country’s future, despite the impact of the pandemic.

Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong (C) speaks at the meeting. (Photo: NDO)

The Party chief wished that the former Party officials will continue to make contributions to the Party, people and nation, and lend their experience in addressing important issues of the country.

Participants expressed their belief that the 13th Politburo, PCC’s Secretariat and PCC will lead the country to a higher development level in the near future.

They pledged to continue contributing to the Party’s cause and strengthening solidarity in the Party.

Expressing pride in being a Party member, they vowed to set examples and lead the way in implementing the Party’s policies, mechanism and resolutions to build a prosperous country with democratic, equal and civilised society.

The health sector is confronted with many difficulties, challenges and opportunities for development. With its long-standing traditions, the entire health sector will constantly strive to rise above to serve the country and the people and fulfill all its assigned tasks, thus living up to the trust given it by the Party and people.

In 2020, the world witnessed the rampage of the COVID-19 pandemic with over 105 million cases globally and more than 2.3 million fatalities, affecting all aspects of life. In Vietnam, with the detailed and mindful direction of the Party and the Government; the involvement of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, ministries, departments, branches and localities; and especially the unanimity and active participation of people from all strata of society, the pandemic has ben proactively controlled and contained. In particular, the health sector upheld the tradition of solidarity, creativity and willingness to stand firmly in all hot spots and successfully control the outbreaks, minimise the number of deaths, and curb the spread of the disease. Thanks to this, we have achieved the dual goal of effectively containing the pandemic and maintaining economic development.

In addition to contributing to successes in the fight against the pandemic, with an innovative mindset, the health sector also made many breakthroughs in order to better serve the people. The inception of a remote medical examination and treatment system connecting 1,500 hospitals helps the people access higher-level medical services right at grassroots level, while 97.5 million health records were set up, creating a premise upon which to develop a smart health system. The whole sector actively implemented digital transformation with the introduction of a series of digital health platforms and applications, and the publicisation of drug , medical equipment and service prices, making it more favourable for the people and businesses alike. 2020 also saw innovation in the form of advanced techniques in organ transplantation and conjoined twin separation surgery.

The health sector has determined 2021 as a starting milestone in the process of implementing strong and comprehensive reforms in the sector. This is the first year to implement the Resolution of the 13 ^th National Party Congress and the health sector has been assigned important tasks on caring for and protecting the people’s health in the new situation. The pandemic continues to evolve in a complicated and unpredictable manner globally, with the potential risk of further spreading in Vietnam. Right from the beginning of 2021, COVID-19 resurged in the provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh and spread to 11 other localities nationwide. The fight against the “COVID-19 enemy” is getting tougher with new strains of SARS-CoV-2 spreading faster. Therefore, the whole sector needs to rapidly and comprehensively reform its activities, while inheriting good traditions and promoting its intelligence and solidarity in order to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13 ^th National Party Congress and continue ensuring a safe environment for the successful realisation of the Government’s dual goal for a second consecutive year.

One of the most urgent tasks for the heath sector in 2021 is to continue effectively battling the pandemic as its third wave broke out in Hai Duong and a number of cities and provinces. Promoting the COVID-19 fight experience, we once again mobilised the participation of the entire political system, and have basically brought the disease under control in most localities after just over three weeks. Under the direction of the Government and the National Steering Committee, the Ministry of Health has continued to coordinate closely and promptly support localities to quickly take control of the disease, while working to soon bring vaccines to Vietnam to serve the people as well as strongly accelerating the domestic research into and testing of vaccines.

Second, step up preventive medicine and the fight against the pandemic; promote successes and lessons learnt in battling the disease and quelling the outbreaks; establish regional disease control centres; build in-depth research establishments on epidemiology and pathogens; promote community-based programmes on protecting health and preventing infectious and non-communicable diseases; and implement health target programmes as well as the sustainable development goal on health.

Third, improve the quality of medical examination and treatment towards patients’ satisfaction; facilitate people’s access to quality medical services; strengthen administrative reforms in medical examination and treatment; increase investment in medical facilities; speed up the implementation of comprehensive care with patients placed at the centre of services; reduce overloads on central-level hospitals; and enhance the development of traditional medicine.

Fourth, strengthen and strongly reform grassroots healthcare in the new situation towards implementing universal health coverage; improve capacity for grassroots healthcare; implement projects to train medical human resources for remote, mountainous and island areas; implement universal health management; and carry out the community-based healthcare programmes for the elderly..

Fifth, comprehensively reform the development of medical human resources; strengthen the social responsibilities of medical workers; improve welfare policies for health workers, especially those working at grassroots health facilities in remote, mountainous and disadvantaged areas; and promote medical workers’ creativity and working spirit in the cause of caring for and protecting the people’s health.

Sixth, continue to upgrade medical establishments; strengthen management, publicity and transparency in health insurance implementation; and care for policy beneficiaries, the poor, those facing special circumstances, revolutionary contributors and the elderly, ensuring that all people have equal access to health care services.

Seventh, strengthen the management of pharmaceuticals, food and medical equipment; ensuring publicity and transparency in the management, licensing, bidding, and procurement of drugs and medical equipment; publicise the prices of medicines, medical equipment, and medical examination and treatment services; accelerate the domestic production of drugs and medical equipment; promote the development of medicinal materials; tighten food safety management; and strengthen the inspection of medical units’ bidding and procurement implementation and strictly handle all violations.

Eighth, implement the health sector master plan until 2045 to ensure Vietnam’s health system develops on a par with other countries in the world; continue to streamline the medical apparatus to ensure equal development among different regions; develop medical facilities that are capable of competing against others globally; and boost the integration of medical activities with socio-economic development.

Ninth, improve medical ethics among medical officials and workers, especially young doctors; continue to accelerate the study and following of Uncle Ho’s thought, morality and lifestyle; and promptly implement reward policies to encourage medical workers and strictly punish any violations of medical ethics.

Tenth, step up scientific research and international cooperation, including basic science and applied sciences in medicine; strengthen investment in research activities at universities, research institutes and medical examination and treatment establishments; strongly promote the application of Industry 4.0 achievements in medicine; accelerate the research and production of vaccines, medicines and medical equipment; strengthen the role and position of Vietnam’s health sector in the international arena; boost bilateral and multilateral cooperation and attract resources and professional & technical assistance from developed countries; and strongly promote professional cooperation between domestic schools, institutes and hospitals and countries around the world.

Celebrating the 66th anniversary of Vietnam Doctors’ Day amidst the complicated and unpredictable COVID-19 context, more than ever, health workers throughout the country must be more determined to respond to the calls of the Party General Secretary and State President as well as the Prime Minister on successfully implementing the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and promoting economic development.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Long

Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Health

Immeasurable support from international organisations, countries, and locals helps to cope with the crisis

Over the past week, photographs and videos of relief trucks pouring into Central Vietnam, causing congestion on National Highway 1A passing the natural disaster-struck provinces of Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, and Phu Yen have taken over social media.

Just like these images, the flame of solidarity and compassion has spread across the nation, bringing tears to the eyes of Vietnamese people abroad and inspiring international friends to show support for Vietnam’s plight.

Various donation activities to support the people of Central Vietnam in overcoming the aftermath of floods and landslides have been organised across the globe. International organisations and many countries were quick to send cash and materials for disaster relief and help ungrounded Vietnamese find their footing again.

As soon as the first storms passed, the US government issued a statement to express its sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy.

According to a statement by US Embassy to Vietnam, the US government is ready to assist Vietnam in overcoming the flood damage and we extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy, including thousands of displaced person.

On October 17, the US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink also announced an initial disaster response aid worth $100,000 to meet urgent humanitarian needs in communities affected by typhoon Linfa.

Kritenbrink added that he wanted to express his concern for people with disabilities in affected provinces because they are among the most vulnerable groups when disasters occur. They are typically at home, have less access to information, and cannot fully benefit from preparedness and evacuation procedures.

It is estimated that the Vietnamese central provinces affected by typhoon Linfa have more than 200,000 disabled people, 61,000 of whom are directly affected by this disaster.

Joint efforts

Besides the United States, many countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Australia, among others have expressed sympathy to Vietnam.

During his recent visit to Vietnam, new Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said that Japan had decided to provide emergency support materials to Vietnam in order to minimise the damage caused by the heavy rains in the central region.

Meanwhile, the South Korean foreign affairs ministry also announced humanitarian aid worth $300,000 to help Vietnam overcome the heavy damage suffered this year.

On October 23, the Chinese Embassy said that the Red Cross Society of China would donate $100,000 to assist Vietnam in overcoming the floods. “We believe that the Vietnamese people will definitely overcome the natural disasters, quickly stabilise their lives, and restore production,” a statement read.

Australia has also decided to provide emergency aid of AU$100,000 ($70,100) to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of this year’s natural disasters.

To help Vietnam deal with the calamities in the region, international organisations including UNICEF, the UNDP, the EU, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that they are sending support packages worth nearly $3 million, according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

The EU also announced on October 28 that it would support Vietnam with €1.3 million ($1.5 million) to provide emergency humanitarian assistance.

The EU package will provide essential supplies to the most vulnerable families in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien-Hue, helping them to meet their basic needs and maintain their daily life.

“This grant is testament to our solidarity with the Vietnamese people, many of whom have lost their homes, livelihoods, and belongings in the devastation of the floods,” said Olivier Brouant, who is in charge of the EU’s humanitarian response programme in the Mekong Delta region.

The grant, provided through the EU’s Acute Large Emergency Response Tool programme, will assist the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Save the Children, and World Vision in its implementation of relief measures.

This work is set to include distributing sanitary cleaning equipment and other necessary relief supplies, securing access to potable water, cleaning facilities, and enhancing sanitation.

Cash will also be provided to residents to help them buy food and other necessities. The most vulnerable groups, including single mothers and people with disabilities, will receive special attention.

Overcoming adversity

On October 26, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung met Andrew Jeffries, country director of the ADB in Vietnam; Rana Flowers, chief representative of UNICEF and the FAO in Vietnam; and Caitlin Wiesen, chief representative of the UNDP in Vietnam.

Flowers said UNICEF raised $160,000 to provide emergency assistance for water, personal hygiene, sanitation, health, nutrition, and education. She also pledged to continue to support people, with specific attention paid to the health of women and children.

Wiesen of the UNDP noted the Green Climate Fund (GCF) programme to build more than 3,200 safe houses over the past two years, which has brought about positive results in ensuring people’s livelihoods that have been disturbed by floods and storms.

She added the UNDP will continue to coordinate with the GCF and the ADB to implement disaster relief programmes in Vietnam with capital of about $30 million.

Meanwhile, Jeffries from the ADB said that after a quick survey on the damage and need for relief of the people of Vietnam’s central provinces, the bank is considering starting an Emergency Assistance Package worth around $3 million. Jeffries added the ADB would try to approve the package as soon as possible.

DPM Dung said, “The support of international organisations at this time as well as over the years shows the concern and trust of international organisations in Vietnam and has contributed to improving Vietnam’s capacity to cope with natural disasters. With their help, we will soon be able to overcome the consequences of these natural disasters, quickly stabilise people’s lives, and restore production for people in areas damaged by various natural disasters.”

By Thai An

The year 2020 was an extremely challenging period. But the challenges showed Vietnam’s strength and bravery. Not fearful of hardships nor shrinking from difficulties, the Vietnamese spirit stems from the history of the country.

The whole nation stands side by side, joining forces to cope with difficulties. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam always has an existing “vaccine” – the resilience which allows Vietnamese to advance forward and cope with all obstacles.

The Vietnamese spirit demonstrated in 2020 reminds Trinh Van Quyet, president of FLC Group, of a bamboo tree, an important symbol of Vietnam’s culture and daily life. It is flexible, resilient and able to adapt to harsh conditions.

These were the virtues that helped Vietnam’s businesses overcome the stormy year of 2020.

To Nhat, vice president and CEO of AMACCAO, believes that the Covid-19 crisis brought both challenges and opportunities.

After Covid-19 broke out in Vietnam in March 2020, the country had to impose social distancing. As a result, AMACCAO could not implement its education projects. As for water supply and liquor production, the group failed to obtain a 50 percent growth rate.

However, when Covid-19 led to the interruption of production activities in South Korea and China and affected the global supply chain, opportunities opened up for some Vietnam enterprises.

“Previously, imports from South Korea and China competed with our products. As the supply chain was disrupted because of Covid-19, enterprises had to look for domestic suppliers, which was the opportunity for Vietnam’s enterprises to expand their market share,” he explained.

To overcome difficulties, FLC carried out drastic restructuring, going against the wind to find opportunities in danger. It reorganized the system and consolidated the staff and spirit, ready to bounce back after the pandemic.

Amid difficulties, many Vietnamese businesses are still staying firm and seeking opportunities to rise up. The Vietnamese spirit has helped them survive and prosper, further developing the economy.

After the end of outbreaks, FLC immediately recovered its business activities, speeding up the execution of projects. It completed and inaugurated the largest hotel in Vietnam and joined forces with the tourism sector to implement demand stimulus programs in many cities and provinces. This partially helped minimize the Covid-19 impact on tourism, the key industry in many localities.

Reform is key

Quyet believes that 2021 will be a significant year for Vietnam’s socio-economic development and for every enterprise. The Party and the State will create development strategies and policies to determine the vision for the next decade.

“One of the keywords that the business circle uses the most is ‘restructuring’. The restructuring in human resources is extremely important to refine the corporate apparatus and improve operational efficiency,” Quyet said.

Anticipating upheavals in 2021 as Covid-19 still rages in the world, Nhat hopes that the private sector can have more opportunities to develop. He believes that promoting the private sector is the key to Vietnam’s development.

The most important support from the government doesn’t lie in bailout packages, but in the institutional regime and legal framework. The recent institutional reform has gained encouraging results. However, businesses still complain about the contradictions of decrees and legal documents.

Quyet also hopes that businesses will be ‘given strength’ from the country’s reform, such as improving the management of the state apparatus at different levels, creating a transparent and open business environment, and ensuring the market mechanism in resources allocation, so that both state-owned and private enterprises can develop sustainably.

“I believe this is also the wish of thousands of private enterprises that nurture the hope of contributing to developing the country into a powerful and sustainable country in the new decade,” Quyet said.

Nguyen Minh Cuong from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also said at a recent workshop that Vietnam will still have to continue its process of shifting to the market economy in 2021 as it has not completed the process which has been going on for 30 years.

Vietnam needs to encourage the development of the private sector because only this dynamic sector can help the country overcome difficulties.

A report shows that Vietnam’s private economic sector currently has nearly 800,000 enterprises creating 12 million jobs, contributing 43 percent of GDP (the figures are 30 percent for state economic sector and 18 percent for foreign invested economic sector).

Luong Bang

by Nguyễn Mỹ Hà

It seems that every time you check your social media or email there are inspirational sayings or wise counsel from friends and strangers alike.

Even if you spent your fair share of time in your younger days going through self-improvement books, you might still feel tempted to read this latest “secret to success and/or happiness” and contemplate its meaning and whether there’s something in there for you to consider.

Not to disappoint you, and at the risk of sounding cynical, but you’re wasting your time.

“Follow your dreams and you’ll be successful!” and “Trust your passion, and success will follow!” might make some sort of sense when you’re young and dreams and passion feel like vehicles that may take you where you want to go to.

But life tells you that dreams are hard to achieve and that passion can fade all-too-quickly.

In a talk when launching his new book, Algebra of Happiness , Scott Galloway, author, entrepreneur, and professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, said: “We have speakers here every week, and they all end with some variation of ‘Follow your dreams’. And many of these people have indeed found success and are millionaires.” Or have they?

When you look around for encouragement during the prime of your youth or to get you through a tough period of your life, it’s easy to look up to people you think are happy, successful, respected, celebrated, or whatever.

Everyone and everything, though, has a bright side and a dark side. You don’t get to see the dark side of people celebrated in life, and even if you try and follow their footsteps it could be decades or perhaps eternity before you’re as accomplished as they appear to be.

So, better to try and build your own life from what you have, and keep working at it. Instead of following your dreams or passion, find something you are good at and do it passionately.

When you were young and easily taken in by grand ideas of freedom, daily routines seemed boring and lacking in basic appeal. People inject ideas into your head, such as live life to the fullest, in the moment, or as if tomorrow will never come.

But what if tomorrow keeps coming and you’ve spent all you had and all your energy on today? What can possibly be left for tomorrow?

A popular saying has it: “Sow action, reap habits, sow good habits, reap character, and character defines fate.”

It’s more worthwhile to focus your time, energy, and effort on making your daily life better, more meaningful and more rewarding.

Daily routines are, of course, vital for your well-being. Showering daily keeps you clean, a good meal a day keeps you healthy, a job makes you feel useful and earns you money to live on. And at the end of every single day, a good sleep recharges your batteries.

In between washing, eating, working, and sleeping, there is plenty of time for entertainment, perhaps travel every few months, family visits, or outings with friends. Routines aren’t likely to overwhelm you, and actually give your life a certain structure.

Everyone has read about extraordinary people like Harvard drop-out Bill Gates, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or the man with his eyes on Mars, Elon Musk.

But they are just a few people in an ocean of humanity, and you really don’t have to be like them to have a fulfilling life.

Life can be broken down into years, and the years broken down into days. There are good days and bad days for all. Those pesky daily routines keep you balanced and rested for the next challenge. And a “next challenge” there will always be.

Whether you’re on top of the world or in the pit of despair, at the end of the day you’ll need some shut-eye. A warm comfortable bed, and a deep, sound sleep prepares you for tomorrow, much more so than any words of purported wisdom. VNS