Four factors for “rule-breaking” surgeries
Despite having officially taken over duties for less than six months, L2FH Rotation 7 has performed nearly 20 surgeries, a significant figure for a level-2 field hospital. Notably, most of these were cases that, according to the United Nations Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), should have been transferred to a higher-level hospital. However, over the years, Vietnamese L2FHs have become accustomed to expanding their scope of treatment based on their actual capabilities.
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Major Dr. Tran Duc Tai (right) presents a souvenir to Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander. |
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A member of the Ghana Formed Police Unit (Ghana FPU) receives a periodic health check at L2FH Rotation 7. |
A prime example occurred when doctors of L2FH Rotation 7 successfully performed two special surgeries for South Sudanese and Ghanaian patients in a single morning. One of them, Mr. Peter Kechkech, a South Sudanese driver for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recalled the familiarity he felt from the doctors’ kind eyes and gentle smiles, despite not seeing the same “angels in white coats” who had treated him in 2024. He expressed his gratitude for the attentive reception and care. Mr. Kechkech noted that while patients are often irritable when in pain, the doctors at L2FH Rotation 7 were patient and explained his condition clearly. He stated that he agreed to have surgery at L2FH Rotation 7 instead of a transfer because he trusted the professional competence and medical ethics of the Vietnamese team.
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Conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) for a member of the Ghana FPU during a periodic health check at L2FH Rotation 7. |
According to Major Dr. Tran Duc Tai, Director of L2FH Rotation 7, performing such “out-of-scope” surgeries requires ensuring four factors. First is the availability of specialized human resources; the hospital currently boasts a PhD and a Level-1 specialist in trauma and orthopedics with years of experience. Second is safety in anesthesia and infection control; notably, the hospital has recorded no infections in nearly 20 surgeries to date. Third is proving capability to receive approval from the Chief Medical Officer of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Fourth is the patient’s desire.
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Performing physical therapy for a patient at L2FH Rotation 7. |
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A doctor at L2FH Rotation 7 performs an ultrasound for a patient. |
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Performing a dental examination for a patient at L2FH Rotation 7 |
Major Tai emphasized that with the tradition of compassionate care, Vietnamese blue-beret doctors always prioritize patients. However, he noted that not every case is accepted for local surgery, as decisions must be based on actual conditions. The medical team always provides thorough consultation to allow patients to make their own choices.
A great asset to UNMISS
In addition to providing medical treatment for U.N. staff and local people, the L2FH Rotation 7 is tasked by the UNMISS with providing professional medical support to units in the Unity Sector. Thematic workshops, ranging from snakebite identification and management to Nipah virus response, not only hold professional significance but also demonstrate the responsibility, proactiveness, and leading role of the Vietnamese L2FH in the UNMISS medical system.
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Medical staff of L2FH Rotation 7 perform surgery on patient Peter Kechkech. |
In an interview with the People’s Army Newspaper, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander, described L2FH Rotation 7 as a great asset to the UNMISS. He affirmed that they are performing their duties very well and serving the communities effectively. The Force Commander highlighted that this is reflected not only in medical treatment but also in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities and support for communities in daily life. On the occasion of the 2026 Tet holiday, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian wished the Vietnamese people a glorious and happy New Year, cheerfully reciting the phrase: “Tet tet tet tet den roi!” (Tet has arrived).
Translated by Minh Anh