Vietnam, Australia seek to boost health cooperation   Vietnamese and Australian scientists gathered together at a workshop in Hanoi on July 19 to discuss the probability to promote links between the two countries in medical technology transfer and healthcare service development. Jointly organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Health and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the event also attracted a crowd of international medical experts and representatives from Australia’s leading healthcare technology firms. In his opening remark, Deputy Health Minister Le Quang Cuong highlighted Australia’s medical strengths, saying that the country has developed a national health system with modern technologies, advanced techniques and high professional skills. Australia also has close partnerships with many counties worldwide in health, medical research and the provision of technical and financial assistance to developing countries, including Vietnam, he noted. The workshop aims to introduce Australia’s strengths in scientific research, technology and healthcare service development, Cuong said, adding that this offers a good chance for the two sides to enhance links in the field. Participants to the two-day event will focus on sharing information related to research activities and policy-making for non-communicable diseases, how to improve the quality of healthcare services and hospitals through improving technology, and pharmaceuticals training in Vietnam. Measures to better research and creativity in health care; promote the study and application of stem cell use, improve the medical training system in Vietnam, and developing models of healthcare service supply, will be scrutinised. The workshop has laid a foundation for future cooperation between Vietnam and Australia in medical technology transfer and joint research, training, and technical support for healthcare system management. VNA