Free medical examination and distribution for Laotians is part of the annual chain of activities of the Young Physicians Association of Ho Chi Minh City. This event started in 2006 with the participation of many doctors, and pharmacists from hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City such as People 115, Children 1, Children 2, Odonto-Stomatology, Orthopedic Trauma, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, Rehabilitation and Treatment of Occupational Diseases. On each trip, these doctors examine and distribute medicine to more than 4,000 patients.

This year, the program aimed at providing free medical examinations and medicine for the people in Champasak province, Laos. The program is held this year with a series of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

This program runs from July 21st to July 23rd. In addition to the two districts of Ba Chieng and Phon Thong of Champasak province, the Ho Chi Minh City Young Doctors Association also organizes free medical examinations and distribution in other districts of Champasak province, Laos.

A doctor from the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association is examining patients in Laos. Photo: Vietnamtimes

Lao patients thankful for Vietnam's support

When it was announced that a delegation of Vietnamese doctors was coming to provide free medical examination and medicine, the people of a small village in Laos were overjoyed.

Mrs. Kham (56 years old, Mi Xay hamlet, Phon Thong district, Champasak province, Laos) shared that she has had back pain for more than a year. She was in a lot of pain. She said "Every time I bend down in the rice field, my back hurts, sometimes I want to collapse. The worst part is when I don't have enough money to buy medicine, the pain keeps me up all night".“I heard that Vietnamese doctors are very good and have traveled to Laos many times to treat poor people, so I am very hopeful. Today, I was thoroughly examined by a Vietnamese doctor, I am very happy, "- Mrs. Kham shared excitedly.

A Laotian patient is examined by Dr. Ta Hoang Hong Phuong. Photo: Vietnamtimes

Similarly, Mr. Chan Deng (52 years old, Hot Hai Khok hamlet, Phon Thong district, Champasak province) could not wait until the morning to visit the medical examination point. “I used to feel tired for more than half a year now, so I couldn't do heavy work. Most of the food and clothing in the house is taken care of by my wife. As the breadwinner of the family, I suffer a lot," said Mr. Blanket Deng.

Nay Candy Mani (Bun Vong hamlet, Phon Thong district, Champasak province) is another case. Although she is six years old, she looks smaller and thinner than other children here. Her mother said that she often had fevers, wheezing, runny nose, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Sometimes she wanted to take her child to the hospital but it was far away, and she had little money. "When I heard the village head announce that a delegation of Vietnamese doctors came to examine me and give me free medicine, I was so happy that I couldn't sleep. "After the examination, the doctor said that my child has an upper respiratory infection. The doctor not only gave us medicine but also gave us instructions as well. I am very grateful to these Vietnamese doctors." - Mani's mom shared.

Through the eyes of the Vietnamese doctors

In 2020, 2021 due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the trip to examine and distribute medicine to Laotians was suspended. In 2022, the Ho Chi Minh City Young Physicians Association reorganized the activity, and many doctors immediately joined. Their motivation is to see the warm gazes and the friendly smiles of the Laotians once more.

Being in contact with the Lao people, and listening to them sincerely talk about life, Dr. Cuong feels the connection seems to have existed for a long time. “I love and appreciate Laotians very much. Although life here is still difficult, the people are very sincere and hospitable. I will come back to Laos again if I have the chance,” said Dr. Cuong.

Laotians waiting for their examination. Photo: Vietnamtimes

Dr. Ta Hoang Hong Phuong (28 years old, Children's Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City) could not hide her emotion when it came to Laotians. “The gentle faces, friendly gestures, and honest words of the people here really made a good impression on me. This trip has brought me many wonderful experiences. If I have the opportunity, I will return to Laos to examine and distribute medicine to many more people,” said Dr. Phuong.

As for Dr. Phan Bao Khanh (73 years old), former Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the third trip to Laos for medical examination and distribution. “I have many good impressions with Laotians. Although there are many people, they are very orderly and do not jostle, they give way to the elderly and the seriously ill. After the examination, they clasped my hand and thanked me, some people shed tears because they were so happy when they received the free medicine bag. It is these things that motivate me to follow this program” - Dr. Khanh confided.

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