[Medical structures in Vietnam]

Abstract

In Vietnam, medical structures are organized according to administrative areas. The large cities are divided into sectors each with several quarters. Each region of the country is divided into districts grouping together several small towns. Each small town or city quarter has an infirmary and the districts or city sectors have a small hospital. Larger hospitals are located in the different regions or large cities. Primary patient care is provided by the infirmaries which can refer to small district or quarter hospitals; the more severe cases are then referred to the regional or large city hospitals. Students entering medical school are selected among secondary school graduates by a special entry examination. After a 6-years medical curriculum, hospital interns are chosen by an internship examination. Internship lasts 3 years for all specialties. Specialists and general practitioners work in hospitals or state medical services. Private practice is authorized after working hours.