Bringing Hope: Humanitarian Health Program in Ngai La Thau, Lao Chai - Vi Xuyen

Introduction to the Humanitarian Health Program

On October 30, 2024, the Duc Minh General Hospital medical team embarked on a mission to bring free healthcare to the residents of Ngai La Thau Village, Lao Chai Commune, Vi Xuyen District, located nearly 40 kilometers from the nearest road, through rough, rocky terrain. After a long and challenging journey, the team arrived to find long lines of people waiting eagerly for their turn to be seen by the doctors and nurses.

Key Highlights of the Program

The outreach program included general health check-ups, medication distribution, and health consultations. The team, comprising specialists in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), and Nutritional Guidance, carried out the following services:

• Treatment and medication for common ailments.
• Tuberculosis screening for the community.
• Identifying serious conditions that required treatment or surgery, with free treatment under Vietnam's Health Insurance provided by Duc Minh Hospital.

In the morning session, 70 people had X-ray scans, 120 underwent ENT endoscopy, and many received general health check-ups. In the afternoon, the team focused on examining 43 children at the local kindergarten, discovering that nearly 100% had ear, nose, and throat infections, with 11 children identified as having hearing problems that needed treatment to prevent future cognitive and developmental issues.

Special Cases and Contributions

One particular case highlighted the program’s impact—a family in dire need was assisted when the father, born with congenital blindness, and his wife, raising two young children alone, struggled with affording healthcare. Their young child was suffering from a severe ear infection, and the family couldn’t afford treatment. After learning about their situation, the hospital leadership decided to provide 100% free treatment, including meals and transportation to bring the child and family to the hospital for further care.

In addition, other families from the village took advantage of the free medical services and brought their children for treatment covered under health insurance.

Impact on the Community

The humanitarian program not only provided critical healthcare but also contributed to raising awareness about personal healthcare and the importance of prevention. Many children, who once feared visiting the hospital, now look forward to their regular health check-ups, understanding the value of staying healthy.

Furthermore, the team also distributed clothes, essential items, and gifts to the children and residents as a token of encouragement and support.

Looking Ahead

This health outreach program is part of a long-term initiative by Duc Minh General Hospital to improve community health in Vi Xuyen and Ha Giang province. The hospital plans to continue this program in other areas, with upcoming visits to Tung Ba and Thanh Thuy communes by the end of 2024. The hospital is committed to expanding its efforts, ensuring more children and families have access to the healthcare they need, and fostering better health awareness throughout the region.

Through these continued efforts, the hospital hopes to inspire hope, well-being, and a healthier future for all those in need in Ha Giang.