Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien on May 16 presented “For the healthof the people” insignia to 18 French professors and doctors who havecontributed to Vietnam ’s healthcare development.

The presentation ceremony took place during the France visit of adelegation from the Ministry of Health, which is one of a range ofactivities to mark the 40 th anniversary of Vietnam – Francediplomatic ties.

Addressing the event, Minister Tiensaid the insignia is a “vivid manifestation” that the Vietnamese healthsector had for these doctors and experts who have given valuableassistance to Vietnam during the country’s past struggle for nationalindependence and unification, and current construction, development andintegration.

She highlighted the cooperation andsupport of French doctors and experts in training generations ofVietnamese doctors and physicians in various specialisms.

Cyril Cosme, Head of Department with responsibility for European andInternational affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France,stressed the significance of the event as it coincided with the 20 thanniversary of the signing of the inter-government agreement onhealthcare cooperation between the two countries.

Asmany as 2,500 Vietnamese doctors have been trained in a residentdoctors training program under the agreement, including Minister Tien,he noted, expressing hopes to further cooperate with Vietnam intertiary training and doctor internship in French hospitals.

General Secretary of the International Association of Deans ofFrancophone Medical School, professor Francke Jean-Paul, recalled thegood old days he had spent with Vietnamese and French colleagues.-VNA