WHO, Pain Control and a house call

Well today I went to the Ministry of Health for a Madame Cham’s presentation on the new national policy on a number of medications including opioids. Of course I could not understand much of what was said. I did recognize when I was being introduced so I could stand up at the appropriate time. This was part of an effort to bring Vietnam into compliance with the WHO standards regarding prescribing but also to encourage appropriate use. Ms Cham pointed out that 8 nations accounting for 15% of world population use 85% of the opioids each year and that many in Vietnam could benefit from better pain control.

I then had lunch with Cuong, Thuy and young women who works with the US AID. It is hard for them to understand the vagaries of the budget process and why certain things are OK during one government in the USA and not another. I did the best I could to explain but I am not sure I always understand. Still I did the best I could.

Later this day I went out with Cuong to visit a family friend. She has had cancer but is doing very well now and I am very impressed with her treatment when she must have been very sick when she had her cancer surgery. I think that she is part of the worried well. After the review and exam we chatted. Interestingly she went to Poland when she was in her 20’s to learn electronics and refrigeration. She lived in Warsaw for 3 years and she speaks fluent Polish. I think this is interesting in light of Andrew’s interest in Poland. Tomorrow we will have some lectures and then I will leave for my trip to Hue.