Abstract of PhD Thesis by Lam Thi Hue

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF HANOI

UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

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LAM THI HUE

THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM IS IN LEAD.

PDEVELOPMENT OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE FROM 1996 TO 2015

CombinationuMajor: History of the Communist Party of Vietnam Code:62 22 03 15

TABSTRACT OF THE DOCTORAL THESIS IN HISTORY

Hanoi - 2020

The project was completed at:University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Scientific supervisor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Quang Hien

Introduction 1..................................................................................

Introduction 2...................................................................................

The dissertation will be defended before the Faculty-level Doctoral Dissertation Examination Committee, meeting at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

at: .......hour.......day.......month.......year.......

The thesis can be found at:

• National Library of Vietnam

• Information and Library Center, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

INTRODUCTION

1. Tthe urgency of the topic

Traditional medicine is a field of healthcare that uses traditional methods and medicines to improve health. In the Complete Party Documents, Volume 37, the Party affirms the policy of developing national medicine as follows: "Widely utilize domestic medicine resources, promote the production of modern medicines and the processing of traditional herbal medicines."Building and developing traditional medicine and pharmacology.Inheriting and developing the traditional experiences of our nation in treating diseases and making medicine, combined with the experience of world medicine and pharmacology" [67, p.666].

With favorable natural conditions and abundant and diverse medicinal resources, Vietnam has a long tradition of using Traditional Medicine. Before the introduction of modern medicine to Vietnam, Traditional Medicine was the only medical system responsible for caring for and protecting people's health.

During the revolutionary leadership process, the Party always paid attention to the health of the people. The Party affirmed: "The health of the people, the future of the race, is a constant concern of our Party and State, the responsibility of all sectors and organizations, and the responsibility and vital interest of every citizen" [69, p.775]. Regarding Traditional Medicine, the Party has set forth policies and given timely and consistent guidance to inherit and develop Traditional Medicine, combining Traditional Medicine with modern medicine. Especially in the period from 1996 to 2015, with the correct policies and active guidance of the Party, Vietnamese Traditional Medicine has achieved many results in the areas of medical examination and treatment, scientific research, resource development, etc., affirming its important position in the region and the world.

In other countries, the trend of using traditional medicine is expanding and undergoing many new developments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has specific guidelines through the "WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005" and "WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023" programs, and has actively collaborated with organizations such as IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), WWF (World Wildlife Fund), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), etc., with the aim of building scientific rigor, conservation, benefit sharing, and development of traditional medicine worldwide.

The above practical experience necessitates a historical review of the Party's leadership in Traditional Medicine to draw lessons learned and provide a scientific basis for its development. However, no studies have addressed this issue. Due to its scientific and practical significance, we have chosen the topic "The Communist Party of Vietnam's leadership in the development of traditional medicine from 1996 to 2015" as the subject of our dissertation.

2. Purpose and research objectives of the thesis

2.1. Research Objectives

This study clarifies the process of the Communist Party of Vietnam's leadership of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015, drawing valuable lessons for the development of Traditional Medicine in the future.

First,This includes an overview of relevant works on the topic, covering content, sources, and research methods, in order to confirm the results that the thesis can build upon and the issues that the thesis needs to research in depth.

SecondThis involves gathering, exploiting, selecting, and systematizing documents related to the Party's leadership over the Ideology of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1996 to 2015.

Third isThis paper presents and analyzes the Party's leadership on political and ideological work from 1996 to 2015, focusing on two periods: 1996-2005 and 2006-2015, in conjunction with specific historical conditions.

Fourth isPresenting and analyzing the Party's guidance through specific organizational and action measures regarding political ideology.

The year isThis study evaluates and comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the Party's leadership over the Vietnam Fatherland Front from 1996 to 2015.

Sixth,This is an initial summary of some lessons learned from the successes and failures in the Party's leadership of the Vietnam Fatherland Front from 1996 to 2015.

3. Subject and scope of the thesis

3.1. Research Subjects

The subject of this dissertation is the policies and directives of the Communist Party of Vietnam on Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015.

3.2. Scope of the study

Vcontent

Traditional medicine encompasses many aspects. Within the scope of this thesis, we focus on researching the policies and guidance of the Communist Party of Vietnam regarding the development of traditional medicine on the following issues: (1) Guiding the State management activities of traditional medicine; (2) Guiding the building of resources;

(3) Directing the resolution of issues related to medicinal herbs and drug production.

Vabout time

The research scope of this thesis covers the period from 1996 to 2015. In 1996, the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam was held. Entering 1996, Vietnamese Traditional Medicine underwent new changes in line with the development of the socialist-oriented market economy. 1996 marked a significant milestone for the health sector in general and Traditional Medicine in particular with the promulgation of the "Strategic orientation for the care and protection of people's health from now until 2000 and 2020and "National drug policy"; "Regulations on evaluating the safety and efficacy of traditional medicines;Directive on “Restoring medicinal herb gardens and promoting the use of traditional medicine massage and acupressure techniques to improve people's health."

2015 marked the end of the implementation of the Party's 11th Congress resolution (2011–2015), summarizing 30 years of reform and development of traditional medicine in Vietnam.

Vspace

This dissertation studies the Party's policies and guidance on Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015 nationwide.

4. Theoretical basis, sources of materials, and research methods of the thesis

4.1. Theoretical basis

This dissertation is based on the theoretical foundations of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the viewpoint of the Communist Party of Vietnam on political science.

4.2. Sources of materials

An important source of information is the documents of the Communist Party of Vietnam on traditional medicine.

The next important source of information includes Decrees, Decisions, Resolutions, Directives, Circulars... of the National Assembly, the Government, and the Ministry of Health concerning traditional medicine. This also includes annual summary reports and projects of the Ministry of Health on the work of caring for, protecting, and improving the health of the people.

4.3. Research Methodology

This dissertation was conducted using both historical and logical research methods. Specifically:

The historical method is used to clarify the leadership process of the Communist Party of Vietnam on ideological work from 1996 to 2015 through two periods: 1996-2005 and 2006-2015.

The logical method is used to clarify the relationship between policies, guiding measures, and achieved results; to evaluate the advantages, limitations, causes, and draw some lessons from the Party's leadership of the Ideology and Social Sciences from 1996 to 2015.

In addition to the methods mentioned above, the thesis also employs analytical, synthetic, comparative, and statistical methods to clarify the issues raised.

5. New scientific contributions of the thesis

First,In terms of documentation, the study has exploited, selected, and systematized sources of information on the Party's leadership in political science from 1996 to 2015.

SecondThis contributes to clarifying the Party's leadership, from its policies and directives to its organizational methods and activities.

Third isThis provides scientific data to serve as a basis for the Party and State's policy planning aimed at further developing Traditional Medicine in healthcare.

Fourth,Providing resources for research in the field of healthcare.

The year isThis provides reference materials to support the teaching of the History of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

6. Structure of the Thesis

Besides the introduction, conclusion, bibliography, and appendices, the thesis is structured into four chapters.

Chapter 1:Overview of research related to the topic

Chapter 2:The Party's policies and guidance on the development of traditional medicine from 1996 to 2005

Chapter 3:The Party leadership promoted the development of traditional medicine from 2006 to 2015.

Chapter 4:Comments and some experiences

Chapter 1. OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH RELATED TO THE TOPIC

1. Research project groups

1.1. Research projects on traditional medicine

The research works on Vietnamese history, Vietnamese economic history, Vietnamese cultural history, Vietnamese medical history, and Vietnamese traditional medicine history address the formation and development of Vietnamese traditional medicine in particular and Vietnamese healthcare in general. These include publications commissioned by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health aimed at summarizing the theory and practice of Vietnamese healthcare over various periods, such as:A brief history of Vietnamese healthcare., Volume I, Volume II, Medical Publishing House, Hanoi, 1995, 1996;Vietnam's healthcare sector confidently enters the 21st century., Medical Publishing House, Hanoi, 2002;55 years of development in revolutionary healthcare (1945-2000), Medical Publishing House, Hanoi, 2002.

1.2. The group of works that mention the Party's leadership over traditional medicine.

Through our review of scientific works, we found that there are few studies on the Party's leadership over healthcare in general and Traditional Medicine in particular. The studies mainly focus on reflecting the current state of Traditional Medicine development in localities and regions, and initially propose solutions to overcome difficulties. However, most studies affirm the role and importance of healthcare policy, and the timely and appropriate issuance of healthcare policies is one of the important factors influencing the development of the sector. To build appropriate healthcare policies, the Party's guidelines and direction play a crucial role as a strategic orientation.

1.2. Issues addressed by previous research and issues requiring further in-depth study in this dissertation.

1.2.1. Problems addressed by research studies

An overview of the research related to this thesis reveals the following issues that have been addressed in previous studies:

MFirstly,

Secondly,

Third,

Up until 2019, no scientific study had fundamentally and systematically investigated the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in traditional medicine from 1996 to 2015.

1.2.2. Issues that the dissertation needs to research in depth.

Based on existing research related to the topic.The Communist Party of Vietnam led the development of traditional medicine and pharmacy from 1996 to 2015.This thesis focuses on an in-depth analysis of the following issues:

The first,Factors influencing the Party's leadership on Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015

Monday,Party's policy on developmentYDCT

Third,Party's guiding measures on the development of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015

Fourth is, the process of realizing the Party's policies

Fifthly,The strengths and weaknesses of the Party in leading the Ideology of the Communist Party of Vietnam, along with the causes of those strengths and weaknesses.

Chapter 1 Summary

Studies on Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (TCM) by scientists from various fields provide a comprehensive, complete, and rich reflection of TCM. Based on this, the doctoral candidate has attempted to present an objective overview, offering a multi-faceted perspective on the origins, characteristics, role, and development of TCM in Vietnam. In particular, initial studies addressing the Party's views and guidance on TCM provide a foundation for further research into the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in developing TCM from 1996 to 2015, using a historical scientific approach.

Chapter 2. The Party's Policies and Guidance on the Development of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2005

2.1. The Party's Policy

2.1.1. Factors influencing the Party's policy planning

Natural conditions

Economic, cultural, and social characteristics

The role of traditional medicine in socio-economic development; the Vietnamese Communist Party's policy on traditional medicine; the situation of traditional medicine in Vietnam before 1996 and new requirements.

Trends in the use of traditional medicine in countries around the world and in the region.

2.1.2. The Party's Policy

Based on the practical experience of 10 years of comprehensive reform and 5 years of implementing the Resolution.

The 7th National Party Congress, 3 years of implementing the Resolution of the 4th Plenum of the 7th Central Committee of the Party, inOpening speech at the Eighth National Congress of the Party (1996)It is affirmed that "The Eighth Congress has historical significance, marking a turning point in our country's transition to a new era - an era of accelerating industrialization and modernization to build an independent, democratic, prosperous, just, and civilized Vietnam in the socialist direction, for the happiness of our people, and for friendship and cooperation with the people of countries around the world" [72, pp. 305-306]. The position and strength of our country have undergone a clear transformation. Vietnam has emerged from the socio-economic crisis that lasted more than 15 years, although some aspects are still not stable, but it has created the necessary prerequisites to move to a new period of development: accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country [72, p. 311].

Faced with this situation, the Communist Party of Vietnam clearly recognizes that "we should not wait for high economic development before solving social problems, but in every step and throughout the development process, economic growth must always be linked with social progress and equity" [72, p. 326]. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of life, material, spiritual and physical well-being of the people. Throughout the revolutionary leadership process, the Communist Party of Vietnam has consistently maintained the view that it is necessary to inherit and develop Traditional Medicine, combining Traditional Medicine with Modern Medicine in health care and protection.Political report of the Central Committee of the Party, 7th term, at the 8th National Congress of the Party.Policy: “Develop traditional national medicine; combine traditional medicine with modern medicine. Build policies on management and development of pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, meeting domestic and export needs” [72, p. 397].

POrientation and tasks of the 5-year socio-economic development plan 1996-2000The program addresses socio-cultural issues, specifically stating: "Developing services."medical examination, treatment, and primary healthcare.of state-owned and private healthcare. Pilot joint ventures between state-owned and foreign healthcare facilities in both medicine and pharmaceuticals. Develop traditional national medicine, combining traditional medicine with modern medicine” [72, p.472].

At the 9th National Congress of the Party (2001), the viewpoint on the development of Traditional Medicine was inherited and expressed in many documents of the Congress such as:Harnessing the strength of the entire nation, continuing to innovate, accelerating industrialization and modernization, and building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland.It is determined: “Implement social justice in healthcare; innovate the mechanism and policy of hospital fees; have a policy of subsidies and health insurance for the poor, moving towards universal health insurance. The State promulgates a national policy on traditional medicine. Closely combine modern medicine with traditional medicine from training to examination and treatment” [75, p.197]; InSocio-economic development strategy 2001-2010To improve fairness and efficiency in access to and use of healthcare services for the people, the Party affirms: “Continue to implement national health target programs” [75, p.280], in Traditional Medicine it is necessary to “combine modern medicine with traditional medicine, combine military-civilian medicine; strive to have some fields of medicine and pharmacy with strengths to become centers in the Southeast Asian region” [75, p.280] and “implement a national policy on drugs, strengthen the capacity to produce and supply drugs to meet domestic needs and export” [75, p.281].

To implement the above policy, the Party set forth the following directions and tasks for the period from 1996 to 2005:

Thus, during the years 1996-2005, through the above documents, directives, and plans, the Vietnamese Communist Party's policy on Traditional Medicine focused on the following issues:

Identifystrategic directionYDCT is inherited and defined.tasks and solutionsof YDCT

The Party's policy on healthcare in general and Traditional Medicine in particular serves as the basis for the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to implement activities and promote the direction of implementation, aiming to develop Vietnamese Traditional Medicine in a way that is increasingly suitable to the country's realities.

2.2. The Party's Guidance

2.2.1. Directing the activities of the State

CombinationDirecting the development of a legal and policy framework for traditional medicine.

In implementing the Party's policy on Traditional Medicine, the National Assembly and the Government, and the Ministry of Health, have developed a legal and policy framework on Traditional Medicine as mentioned in the 1992 Constitution, the 1989 Law on the Protection of People's Health, and integrated Traditional Medicine into the development of laws and legal documents.

CombinationDirecting the construction of the state administrative apparatus.

YDCT Management Systembecoming increasingly perfect

2.2.2. Directing the development of human resources and medical examination and treatment facilities.

Healthcare personnel are considered a crucial component of the healthcare system, playing a key role in ensuring the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. The effectiveness of the entire healthcare system largely depends on the decisions made by healthcare professionals, such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and advising patients.

Directive No. 25/1999/CT-TTg (August 1999) onRegarding the promotion of traditional medicine and pharmacy.This represents a new step in institutionalizing the Party's views and guidelines on traditional medicine – a historical turning point in the development of traditional medicine.

The Prime Minister requested that ministries, sectors, and provincial and city People's Committees urgently "revise and supplement a number of policies to encourage practitioners of Traditional Medicine to contribute valuable remedies and experiences, especially experiences in disease prevention and treatment using Traditional Medicine from ethnic minority groups; and develop a plan for the development of Traditional Medicine, to be issued or submitted to the Government for issuance."

On November 3, 2003, the Prime Minister issued Decision 222/2003/QD-TTg.Regarding the approval of the National Policy on Traditional Medicine up to 2010.

Under the direction of the Government, the Ministry of Health, and relevant agencies, the human resources in Traditional Medicine in Vietnam underwent many changes during the 10 years from 1996 to 2005.

Regarding training activities

Training program

Directing the construction of medical examination and treatment facilities.

Building upon its achievements, Vietnamese Traditional Medicine is entering a new era – an era of accelerated industrialization and modernization of the country.

Regarding the system of medical examination and treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine,Resolution No. 37-CP (1996) clearly states: "Combining modern medicine with traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is a cultural heritage of the nation that needs to be protected, promoted and developed. Strongly implement research, application and modernization of traditional medicine combined with modern medicine, but without losing the essence of Vietnamese traditional medicine" [61].

Directive 25/1999/CT-TTg dated August 30, 1999, sets out the goal of improving the level of scientific research, modernizing traditional medicine, and combining modern medicine and traditional medicine;

Based on the submission No. 3769/TTr-BYT (June 1, 2000) from the Minister of Health, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 35/2001/QĐ-TTG (March 19, 2001) regarding...Approved the strategy for healthcare and protection of the people for the period 2001-2010.

2.2.3. Directing the resolution of issues related to medicinal herbs and drug production.

In Resolution 37-CP/TW on the Strategic Orientation for the Care and Protection of People's Health during the period 1996-2000 and the National Policy on Medicines of Vietnam (1996), the Government clearly stated that it is necessary to:

CNational policy on traditional medicine up to 2010(2003) defined specific goals

Chapter 2 Summary

Looking back at the development of Vietnamese medicine in general and traditional medicine in particular since the August Revolution of 1945, especially during the 10 years of nationwide industrialization and modernization (from 1996-2005), it can be affirmed that the cause of caring for and protecting the health of the people through traditional medicine has achieved tremendous achievements. The policy of inheriting, preserving, and developing traditional medicine with the aim of modernizing traditional medicine and combining traditional medicine with modern medicine, as proposed by the Communist Party of Vietnam, is entirely correct, appropriate to the Vietnamese reality, and demonstrates the country's creativity, innovation, and integration. The results achieved in many aspects of the management system, traditional medicine human resources, medical facilities, policies, etc., have demonstrated the superiority of the good system brought about by the Communist Party of Vietnam. Furthermore, the development of Traditional Medicine still faces limitations: the quality and quantity of Traditional Medicine human resources vary significantly between regions and localities, failing to meet the needs of the people. Many health stations lack specialized Traditional Medicine doctors, and some districts and provinces still lack Traditional Medicine hospitals.

Chapter 3. The Party's Leadership in Promoting the Development of Traditional Medicine from 2006 to 2015

3.1. The Party's Policy

3.1.1. Nhwomannnew request

Tdomestic situation

World situation

3.1.2. The Party's Policy

In the Document of the 10th National Congress of Delegates (2006), the Party advocated combining economic goals with social goals nationwide, in each field and locality; implementing social progress and equity in each step and each development policy, effectively implementing social policies on the basis of economic development, linking rights and obligations, contributions and benefits, creating stronger and more sustainable momentum for socio-economic development [79, p.201].

In order to further raise awareness among Party committees, government agencies, officials, and Party members about the role and importance of Traditional Medicine; and to overcome limitations and weaknesses in the implementation of the national policy on Traditional Medicine, the Politburo issued Directive 24-CT/TW.Regarding the development of Vietnamese traditional medicine and the Vietnam Traditional Medicine Association in the new context.(July 2008) with the guiding principle: "Developing Vietnamese traditional medicine for the purpose of protecting and caring for the health of the people, contributing to improving and enhancing the quality of human resources," and the goal of "Completing the organizational system of the traditional medicine sector from the central to local levels; continuing to implement the "national policy on traditional medicine until 2010" and subsequent years." The directive outlines specific tasks and solutions to develop Vietnamese traditional medicine in the new trend.

3.2.1. Directing and strengthening the activities of the State.

Directing the continued development of the legal and policy framework for traditional medicine.

The legal framework regarding Traditional Medicine has gradually been perfected, with its content incorporated into legal documents issued by the National Assembly, the Government, and various ministries and agencies. On November 23, 2009, the 12th National Assembly, at its 6th session, passed it.Law on medical examination and treatmentand the Law came into effect on January 1, 2011.

In addition, under the guidance of the Party, based onConstitutionThe content of the development of the YDCT has been integrated into many new and amended laws.

Directing the continued improvement of the state management apparatus.

Decision No. 765/QD-BYT (March 22, 2005) of the Ministry of Health approving the plan for implementing the national policy on traditional medicine until 2010.

At the local level, the Ministry of Health issued a series of documents to strengthen and improve the network for performing state management functions in Traditional Medicine, such as: Circular No. 4425/BYT-YH (June 7, 2005) from the Ministry of Health to the Departments of Health of provinces and centrally-administered cities on the implementation of the National Policy on Traditional Medicine until 2010; Circular No. 7841/BYT-YH (2007) sent to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities on the implementation of the National Policy on Traditional Medicine until 2010; Circular No. 3159/BYT-YDCT sent to 15 provinces on the establishment of provincial Traditional Medicine hospitals (2008); Regulations on the review and recognition of traditional family remedies (2007), 94 traditional medicine technical procedures (2008); On April 15, 2010, the Minister of Health sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and cities requesting them to direct the Departments of Health to coordinate with other departments and agencies to summarize the implementation of the National Health Policy in their localities; Ministry of Health document No. 3124 (May 18, 2010) sent to the Departments of Health of provinces and cities (with attached summary report template) to guide the Departments of Health in advising the Provincial People's Committees on summarizing the National Health Policy and reporting the results to the Ministry of Health.

3.2.2. Directing the continued development of human resources and medical examination and treatment facilities.

ChHuman resource development

In accordance with the Party's policy and Directive No. 24 of the Party Central Committee (2008) on the development of Traditional Medicine, the Government issued Decision 2166/QD-TTg (2010) to further enhance the determination of the entire Vietnamese political system in building and developing Traditional Medicine from 2010 to 2020. To ensure the development of human resources, the Decision outlined the tasks that need to be implemented, including: firstly, developing a plan to improve the training capacity of human resources in traditional medicine and pharmacy for medical practitioners, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, resident doctors, specialists at level 1 and level 2, masters, and doctoral degrees in Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy, and training at all levels for traditional medicine and pharmacy practitioners, focusing on developing the teaching staff, investing in expanding and upgrading facilities, teaching equipment, and practical training facilities for traditional medicine and pharmacy training institutions; Secondly, organize training in various forms: formal, continuing education, transfer training, joint training, and training through selective recruitment for particularly disadvantaged areas to meet the sufficient quantity and quality of personnel for traditional medicine and pharmacy; thirdly, establish and develop Departments or Divisions of Traditional Medicine and Traditional Pharmacy at universities, colleges, and medical and pharmaceutical high schools under the central and local governments; fourthly, develop and promulgate training programs and training codes for traditional medicine practitioners and pharmacists; fifthly, consolidate, promote investment and development of the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy.

By 2015, the network of Traditional Medicine (TCM) clinics and hospitals continued to expand and develop with 63 TCM hospitals nationwide, including 4 central-level hospitals, 1 teaching hospital under the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine, and 58 provincial-level hospitals. These are leading hospitals in TCM, possessing the highest level of technology, and functioning as supervisory centers for hospitals nationwide and transferring technology to lower-level facilities.

Although the number and diversity of traditional medicine (TCM) clinics and hospitals have increased, and the number of patients seeking TCM treatment is also rising, most of the targets set in Decision 2166 have not been achieved. The TCM healthcare system remains underdeveloped and inadequate in scale. In particular, district and county general hospitals often only have TCM units integrated into internal medicine or rehabilitation departments, staffed by TCM practitioners, resulting in low operational efficiency and the serious deterioration of some hospitals. Furthermore, the lack of allocated funds for the development of TCM hospitals and the slow implementation of the plan have created significant challenges for TCM. Both public and private TCM facilities have not received adequate investment, modernization is slow, and the risk of falling further behind is increasing. The quality of medical care remains low; the integration of TCM with modern medicine in treatment is inadequate, especially at the district, county, and commune levels. There is currently no suitable legal framework for the socialization of Traditional Medicine to enable units to implement it smoothly and effectively.

3.2.3. Directing the resolution of issues related to medicinal herbs and drug production.

On October 30, 2013, the Government issued Decision 1976/QD-TTg approving the overall plan for the development of medicinal plants until 2020 and the orientation until 2030. Immediately after the Prime Minister issued the Decision, the Ministry of Health organized a conference to implement and guide the implementation for localities, while also directing units to continue implementing the contents of Government Decision 2166. To implement the contents under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health,

Summary of Chapter 3

Over the 10-year period (2006-2015), the Communist Party of Vietnam continued to lead the development of Traditional Medicine (TCM) in accordance with the policy of modernizing TCM, combining TCM with Western medicine to care for and protect the health of the people and preserve the national culture. To implement this policy, the Party directed the construction of a system of legal documents to create a favorable legal framework for the development of TCM; built a state management apparatus for TCM from the central to local levels to specialize and strengthen the connection between state ministries and agencies, and between central and local agencies; built a standardized team of TCM doctors and medical staff, expanding in number and improving in quality; directed the construction of facilities for TCM examination and treatment from the central to local levels in a complete and modern direction; and directed the development of drug production facilities and medicinal plant cultivation to ensure quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Chapter 4. OBSERVATIONS AND SOME EXPERIENCES

4.1. Comments on the Party's leadership

4.1.1. Advantages

ThFirstly, the Party has put forward a correct and practical policy for the development of traditional medicine.

TSecondly, the Party provides synchronized and effective guidance for all stages in the development of traditional medicine.

TThirdly, the Communist Party of Vietnam has directed the development of traditional medicine, achieving many important results.

The above are the advantages of the Party in leading the development of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015. These advantages stem from the following fundamental reasons:

4.1.2. Regarding limitations

The first,In some Party committees, government agencies, departments, and especially at the grassroots level, the direction and implementation of the Party's policies and resolutions on the development of traditional medicine have not been decisive enough, resulting in some development targets not being met.

Secondly, there are still limitations in the guidance for the development of traditional medicine.

Thirdly, state management of the quality of medicinal herbs and traditional medicines still has many shortcomings.

These limitations stem from the following reasons:

4.2. Gravesnumber of experience

4.2.1. TiunmarketableContinue to develop and refine policies and guidelines on traditional medicine.

4.2.2. DFurther promote the integration of traditional medicine into the national health system.

4.2.3. PhPromoting the role and responsibility of the entire political system in the development of traditional medicine.

Summary of Chapter 4

The process of the Communist Party of Vietnam leading the development of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015 had many advantages.

Besides its advantages, the Party's leadership has also faced some limitations: awareness of the role, responsibilities, and effectiveness of Traditional Medicine (TCM) in some Party committees, government agencies, and departments remains low; practical guidance still faces difficulties and is not truly effective; difficulties in TCM treatment at hospitals and state-run facilities still arise due to regulations not being suitable for the specific characteristics of TCM; and the management of the quality of medicinal herbs and traditional medicines still has many shortcomings. The process of leading the development of TCM has yielded valuable experiences. These serve as the basis for the Party to continue leading the effective development of TCM in the future.

CONCLUDE

Protecting, caring for, and improving the health of the people has always been the goal of the Party in the process of leading the country. In the reform line, the Party affirms: "The health of the people, the future of the race, is a constant concern of our Party and State, the responsibility of all sectors and organizations, and the responsibility and vital interest of every citizen" [47, p.775]. Building a new health system, based on the thorough understanding of preventive medicine, combining modern medicine with traditional medicine will make an important contribution to achieving the national health goals. Therefore, throughout historical periods, the Party has not only paid attention to the task of caring for and protecting the health of the people but has also always paid attention to leading the development of the national traditional medicine.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the world situation underwent many changes, along with the impact of the reform process in Vietnam. The trend of using Traditional Medicine in countries around the world and in the region, especially the practical development of Traditional Medicine in Vietnam before 1996, directly influenced the process of formulating policies and directing the implementation of the development of Traditional Medicine by the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The Party's policy on Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (TCM) since 1945, especially during the period from 1996 to 2015, has been consistent. The Party affirms the need to inherit, preserve, and develop TCM, combining it with modern medicine to build a modern, scientific, national, and accessible Vietnamese medical system. Recognizing the importance of TCM not only in the care and protection of people's health but also as a national cultural identity, the Party has formulated many sound policies and provided close guidance on the development of TCM in all areas. Specifically, the Party has directed the development of a legal framework for TCM; the development and integration of TCM into socio-economic development strategies, programs, plans, and projects; the improvement of the state management apparatus and the capacity building of TCM personnel; and the expansion and upgrading of facilities serving medical examination and treatment. in the production of medicines and cultivation of medicinal plants.

The Party's leadership in developing Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015 has achieved many important accomplishments in terms of theoretical thinking and practical guidance. Based on this, the awareness of the Party, the State, and the people regarding the role and importance of Traditional Medicine in the cause of protecting and improving health has been enhanced; the issues of Traditional Medicine have been addressed comprehensively and effectively, yielding many results. These achievements in the social field include effectively addressing social welfare issues, ensuring and improving people's health; in the economic field, reducing expenditure on Traditional Medicine, effectively addressing labor and employment issues, developing the local economy and households, forming medicinal plant cultivation areas, contributing to the sustainable development of the country and the realization of the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, and a democratic, just, and civilized society.

However, due to both objective and subjective reasons, the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in developing Traditional Medicine faces numerous difficulties and limitations: the awareness of the role and importance of Traditional Medicine among some Party committees, government agencies, and departments, especially at the grassroots level, remains low; and there are difficulties in integrating experimental medicine with Traditional Medicine while maintaining the distinctive characteristics of Traditional Medicine, as these two medical systems have many differences.

This reality requires the Party to continue providing important orientations and close practical guidance to minimize the difficulties and weaknesses of Traditional Medicine, and to further promote its development.

From the Party's practical experience in leading the development of traditional medicine from 1995 to 2015, several key lessons can be drawn: continuing to build and refine policies and guidelines on traditional medicine; further promoting the integration of traditional medicine into the national health system; and enhancing the role and responsibility of the entire political system in the development of traditional medicine. These experiences have profound theoretical and practical significance, serving as the basis for the Party's continued guidance in the development of traditional medicine in the next phase.

The achievements of Traditional Medicine from 1996 to 2015 have affirmed the leadership role of the Party and the correctness and appropriateness of its policies to the country's realities. Continuing to research, inheriting the achievements and experiences gained, and supplementing, applying, and developing them flexibly and creatively to further contribute to the development of Traditional Medicine in Vietnam is an urgent requirement.

LIST OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS BY THE AUTHOR RELATED TO THE THESIS

1. Vu Quang Hien, Lam Thi Hue (2017), “Vietnam-Soviet Union medical cooperation”,International scientific conference “From the Russian October Revolution to the Vietnamese Revolution: Historical Significance and Contemporary Relevance”,The World Publishing House, Hanoi, pp. 568-583.