Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presents the Independence Order, second class to the VGMA. (Photo: vietnamplus.vn)   

NDO - The Vietnam General Medical Association (VGMA) held a ceremony in Hanoi on December 10 to honour 87 medical intellectuals who had outstanding contributions to the health sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen emphasised that over the years, healthcare for the people has achieved numerous milestones.

Many epidemics have been repelled, the average life expectancy of the people has increased and health services have been improved, he noted, adding that Vietnam is considered a shining light in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

These achievements have been greatly contributed by the VGMA, as well as intellectuals working in the medical sector, the Deputy Minister added.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presented the Independence Order, second class to the VGMA, in recognition of the continuous efforts made by generations of members of the association over the past 66 years.

The 17th Congress of the VGMA for the 2021-2023 tenure also took place within the framework of the event.