The groundbreaking ceremony of Nhi Dong Pediatric Hospital in the Binh Chanh district of HCM City - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The 1000-bed hospital with total investment of VND 4.5 trillion (US$ 214.2 million) is the largest of this kind in the southern region since 1975.

The 93,000 sq. m. facility is slated to open in 2016 and boasts it will have the most modernized medical instruments and equipment of any hospital in the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, PM Dung underlined the significance of the project which would provide treatment for 60% of child patients from more than 20 southern provinces and cities.

He praised the close coordination between local authorities, the Ministr y of Health, and other relevant ministries and agencies for the launching of the project.

Mr. Dung also requested investors, consultants and builders to realize the project on schedule and at good quality.

The local leaders and the HCMC Department of Health were asked to prepare for good doctors and nurses once the hospital comes into operation. 

The new hospital is the fifth of its kinds in the city following a decision of the PM aiming to improve healthcare services for local people and ease the workload for the two existing Nhi Dong 1 and Nhi Dong 2 Hospitals and other central hospitals in the city./.

By Kim Anh