On 11/5, Nguyen Tan Luc, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Department of Health, stated that following a consolidation effort that involved healthcare systems across Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces, the grassroots healthcare network was reorganized. This reduced the number of health stations and regional polyclinics from 164 to 64 commune and ward health stations. These units now operate as public service entities directly under the commune-level People's Committees (UBND).

According to Mr. Luc, the province's 64 health stations currently employ 1,695 staff members, comprising 1,518 civil servants and 177 contract professionals. This represents a shortage of 407 established positions compared to the allocated targets. The uneven distribution of established positions and personnel across stations creates significant challenges for staffing.

The Hoa Thanh ward health station currently lacks both a director and deputy director. *An Minh*

The existing personnel are insufficient to meet the demands of new functions and tasks. There is a particular lack of positions such as accountants, administrative staff, information technology specialists, and social welfare officers. Additionally, a shortage of staff for regular on-duty shifts at the stations affects operational continuity and the quality of public services.

Currently, 14 health stations lack a director, and 14 stations operate without a deputy director. Furthermore, 31 stations do not have an accountant, and 55 stations lack information technology personnel. The absence of regular on-duty staff at these stations also directly affects the quality of services provided to local residents.

In Tan An commune, the health station has only one doctor and is missing many other positions, along with essential equipment like lab testing machines, vision testing devices, and X-ray machines. The Hoa Thanh ward health station, as noted, is entirely without a director or deputy director.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, a First-Degree Specialist and Director of the Vinh Thanh commune Health Station, stated that the station's medical equipment system is currently very basic. The unit urgently needs crucial specialized machines such as: ultrasound, electrocardiogram (ECG), biochemical, and hematological testing machines. The station's 7 computers have been in use for over 10 years, frequently malfunction, and cannot meet the requirements for digital transformation. Additionally, the supply of medicines for health insurance examinations is sometimes inadequate.

Regarding facilities, most health stations post-consolidation are reusing old headquarters, many of which are dilapidated and lack equipment. "If staff at the station only have stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors, they won't attract patients," Mr. Luc remarked. He added that beyond the experience and expertise of medical professionals, stations need to be equipped with ultrasound, X-ray, ECG machines, and basic laboratory equipment to enhance the quality of medical examination and treatment.

The Department of Health is currently coordinating reviews and sending officials for intermediate political theory training to qualify them for appointments as per regulations. The department has proposed the early issuance of a unified job position scheme to serve as a basis for organizational consolidation and personnel recruitment. They also recommend continuing to allocate staff quotas to health stations to ensure sufficient operational resources.

Concurrently, the sector has recommended allocating investment funds for repairing, upgrading facilities, and purchasing equipment. A review indicates that each health station requires an investment of approximately 10 to 15 billion VND for repairs, upgrades, and equipment additions to meet local medical examination and treatment demands.

An Minh