Ca Mau reports three more cholera cases

Three more patients in southernmost Ca Mau Province have tested positive for cholera in the province's Ngoc Hien District, increasing the total number of cholera patients to five since the beginning of the month. More than 2,500 cases of diarrhoea have also been recorded. The provincial Department of Health is working with authorities in the district to improve residents' awareness about cholera prevention and are spraying chemicals around patients' houses.

Nhan Dan (The People)

Enterprises fail to pay social insurance

The Social Insurance agencies in southern Dong Thap Province and HCM City have said that many companies have still not paid their workers compulsory social and health insurance. Nguyen Minh Hieu, head of Social Insurance Agency in Dong Thap Province, said the fund had a debt of VND15 billion ($789,473). The agency planed to sue enterprises that had outstanding social and health insurance debt.

Nguyen Trong Nam, head of HCM City Social Insurance Agency's inspection office, said the agency had completed procedures to sue 28 companies for the unpaid social insurance of 2,500 workers, equal to VND10 billion ($526,315).

Tuoi Tre (Youth )

Province to help victims of mine blasts

The People's Committee of central Thua Thien-Hue Province will help people who have been injured by mines or bombs to buy seeds for production. They will receive medical treatment fees and scholarships for their children. With total capital of VND1 billion (US$52,631), the programme was funded by US-based Clear Path International Organisation.

Lao Dong (Labour)

Pharmaceutical industry reports rise in prices

The Viet Nam Pharmaceutical Companies Association have reported an increase in prices of many drugs since June 20. In Ha Noi, price increases have averaged 4.8 per cent and in HCM City, 5 per cent. Amoxcilin has increase to VND54,000 from VND52,000 for 500mg per box. Pharcoter has risen from VND118,000 to VND120,000 per box.

Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon)