VietNamNet Bridge - Have you ever been to a hospital? If you ever do go, when you arrive at a public hospital in Ha Noi, you may be dismayed by the long queues of people waiting their turn.

 Then, when your turn finally comes, you may have to face a doctor with a sullen or annoyed demeanor.

With these realities, many people today choose a private hospital or clinic for their health care needs.

"The number of people visiting private clinics is increasing," says Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dinh, former head of the Viet Nam Ear, Nose and Throat National Hospital.

"People often believe in public hospitals. But it actually takes a lot of time for people to be examined because they have to wait so long. So, people with enough money and those who don’t want to waste their time often choose private clinics. They know they will be served immediately and with enthusiasm. Moreover, they can choose which well-known doctor they want to see."

Dinh says she now works for a private general hospital.

"There were fewer patients a year ago than there are now. I realise that more and more patients are choosing private clinics, and that this trend will continue into the future."

In countries such as the US and Singapore private hospitals outnumber the public options.

People tend to go to the prestigious private clinics following an introduction from others, so the private clinics and doctors do not need to advertise. The private hospitals can also accept insurance cards.

Nguyen Hoang, 37, from Ha Dong District, says he is afraid of the cumbersome procedures that patients must go through before they can be treated at public hospitals.

"I don’t want to be examined at a public hospital because it would take a lot of time, there would be a lot of waiting and their procedures are complicated. I prefer private hospitals because their procedures can be completed quickly. In particular, if you go to a private hospital you will find it easier to ask the doctors to provide you with documentation about your illness so that you can be reimbursed by your insurance. It’s much easier than asking for the same paperwork at public hospitals."

Since many people are afraid of the long queues at Ha Noi’s famous hospitals, such as the Central Obstetrics Hospital and the Saint Paul General Hospital, private options have become the top choice.

Ngo Thanh Loan, 32, from Dong Da District, says private clinics suit her.

"I’m a State employee so I can hardly go to hospital during working hours. Even when I was pregnant I went to a private clinic close to home. Their prices were not too high. The doctors gave me detailed advice, and the staff had a good attitude."

Loan says she often chooses private clinics recommended to her by friends.

"When I go to a private clinic, I always look at how large and hygienic it is. If it’s ok, I’ll have one exam there, then, if I think they did a good job, I’ll go back."

"I even registered for treatment using a health care insurance card at Hong Ha, a private hospital," she adds.

Because public hospitals are always crowded with large numbers of people in need of care, some patients and their family members try to give money to doctors or nurses so they can queue jump. Some give money to hospital staff and ask them to lead them directly to doctors for quick treatment.

Doctors and hospital staff are forbidden from taking bribes, says director of the Ha Noi Obstetrics Hospital, Nguyen Huy Bao.

"Overcrowding at public hospitals has caused this problem," he says. "But we strictly prohibit our doctors and staff from accepting bribes from patients or leading them to examinations before their turn. Everyone must queue.

We’ve installed 16 cameras to supervise our staff."

But Bao says another long-term solution is necessary.

"We should open more examination rooms, where people can pay a premium to be examined immediately, rather than queuing to use their health insurance cards."

Although many have turned to private clinics, many others still hold on to their belief in public hospitals, such as Nguyen Linh An, 35.

"When I was a little girl my parents often took me to the National Paediatrics Hospital. I still prefer the way public hospitals work, and they are cheaper than private clinics. I trust the public hospitals because their doctors have received excellent training; these hospitals have many great doctors and leading experts.

"Moreover, the State often provides modern equipment to the public hospitals, so we have a peace of mind in terms of the quality of their examinations and treatment.

"Public hospitals are still the first choice for me and my family," she says.

Though many people prefer to go to private clinics, one important reason they should still consider public hospitals is their modern facilities. For this reason, patients must surely opt for the public sector for serious diseases.

I hope the public hospitals will get the upgrades they need and that their procedures will be rapidly simplified so they can continue to serve as the main health care support system for the country’s people.

VietNamNet/VNS