Combining Eastern and Western medicine for better treatment
Medical facilities in Hai Phong are stepping up the use of modern techniques alongside traditional methods to improve the quality of medical examination, treatment and rehabilitation.
Combination of traditional and modern medicine
Hai Duong Traditional Medicine Hospital in Hai Phong receives an average of 150 – 200 outpatients each day and provides inpatient treatment for 300 – 400 people, mainly those with musculoskeletal disorders, post-stroke complications and chronic diseases.
While traditional medicine treatment was previously used mainly by older people, the hospital's Department of Otolaryngology and Geriatrics now regularly treats younger patients.
Specialist I doctor Vu Thi Huong, Head of the department, said combining traditional and modern medicine helps improve treatment effectiveness for conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal degeneration, diabetes, hypertension, gastric and duodenal diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It also helps reduce side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with many cases achieving complete recovery or improvement of up to 99%.
At Hai Phong Traditional Medicine Hospital, traditional and modern medicine are combined in treatment, particularly in rehabilitation after stroke.
Alongside traditional methods such as decoctions, electroacupuncture, massage and acupressure, cupping and moxibustion, the hospital also applies various modern physical therapy and rehabilitation techniques. These include low-level intravascular laser therapy, short-wave therapy, electromagnetic therapy, electrical stimulation and ultrasound.
Patients are given exercises tailored to the severity of paralysis and their muscle strength. These methods help improve circulation, increase muscle strength and support neurological and motor rehabilitation.
Promoting the value of traditional medicine
Traditional medicine in Vietnam and Hai Phong has achieved many important results. The medical examination and treatment system has been upgraded. The traditional medicine network at the grassroots healthcare level has been strengthened and expanded. Services for medical examination and treatment using traditional medicine have become increasingly diverse, with quality continuing to improve.
Pham Thanh Tung, Master of Medicine and Deputy Director of Hai Duong Traditional Medicine Hospital, said the hospital's development orientation is to harmoniously combine traditional and modern medicine, from diagnosis through treatment. Traditional medicine focuses on specialized treatment of underlying causes, health improvement, rehabilitation and recurrence prevention.
The hospital places particular emphasis on the supply and quality of medicinal herbs, considering this a matter of medical ethics and reputation as well as vital to the hospital's survival. Quality control is carried out through three stages: all medicinal products are procured through open and transparent bidding in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Health; their quality and origin are tested; and they must be completely free of toxic chemical residues.
To preserve and promote traditional medicine in a scientific, modern, high-quality and effective manner, in line with the direction of Party General Secretary and President To Lam and the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1250, the city's Plan No. 332 sets a target for 100% of public general hospitals to provide medical examination and treatment using traditional medicine.
Accordingly, Hai Phong and Hai Duong Traditional Medicine Hospitals will be developed toward greater specialization and modernization, with improved capacity for medical examination and treatment, rehabilitation, training, scientific research and technology transfer. The city will also develop a network of traditional medicine examination and treatment services at different levels and strengthen the capacity of traditional medicine departments and units at general hospitals, medical centers and health stations.
Medical examination and treatment facilities will improve the quality of their human resources and medical ethics; preserve and develop medicinal resources, traditional remedies and traditional medical knowledge; and promote scientific research, innovation, digital transformation and intellectual property protection. Social resources will be mobilized to gradually develop traditional medicine products and services linked to the health economy, health tourism and the development of the medicinal plant industry in line with the city's potential and advantages.
HOANG HUE