Although the travel distance was not long, due to challenging road conditions and scorching weather, it took the team nearly half a day to reach the destination—once the base of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers during their international mission to help Cambodia fight against the Pol Pot–Ieng Sary gang. In this remote locality, far from the center, local people mainly rely on farming for a living and still face many material and spiritual hardships. Healthcare infrastructure remains underdeveloped and is often neglected.
    |
 |
|
An overview of Kien Giang medical team's provision of free checkups, medicine, and gifts for Cambodian citizens |
Upon the team’s arrival, many locals expressed great joy. Nup Phol, a resident of Tro Meng commune, came early in the day after hearing that Vietnamese military doctors would be offering free health checkups and medicine.
“I have several health problems but can’t afford treatment. When I heard that the Vietnamese medical team was coming to examine, treat, and give out gifts, many locals and I were thrilled. The doctors were enthusiastic and gave clear instructions on treatment. I’m very grateful and hope to recover soon so I can continue working. After my checkup, I’ll inform others in my village to come as well,” Nup Phol said emotionally.
|
|
 |
|
Residents of Chhuk district, Kampot province having their health checked |
Despite significant challenges such as extreme weather, rough travel conditions, and language barriers, the Vietnamese medical team—driven by medical ethics, a deep sense of responsibility, and international solidarity—remained committed, encouraging one another to fulfill their duties with excellence.
Non-commissioned Major Hoang Trong Thien, a doctor and head of the Infirmary of the Kien Giang Military Command, said that before heading to Cambodia for the mission, members of the team were thoroughly briefed on the local conditions and climate. Thanks to the warm support of local authorities and residents, the team’s mission was a success.
During the five-day event, the team provided free medical examinations and over 360 sets of medicine, each worth VND 100,000, and distributed 100 gift packages, each valued at VND 500,000, to poor households. These activities left a strong and positive impression on local authorities and residents, further beautifying the image of Uncle Ho’s soldiers.
|
|
 |
|
Medical workers equip locals with methods to stay healthy. |
Present at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Chung Sorasit, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kampot Provincial Military Sub-region, said, “We are very happy and grateful to the medical team from Kien Giang province. This meaningful activity contributes to local authorities’ efforts to alleviate hardships. We truly appreciate such meaningful acts, which strengthen the solidarity and friendship between Kampot and Kien Giang provinces in particular, and between the people of Cambodia and Vietnam in general.”
It is worth noting that since 2015, the Military Command of Kien Giang province has sent 10 medical delegations to various communes and districts of Cambodia, distributing over 5,000 packages of medicine valued at more than VND 600 million.
|
|
 |
|
Sr. Col. Cao Minh Tam hands over gifts to people in Kampot province. |
Senior Colonel Cao Minh Tam, Deputy Political Commissar of the Kien Giang Provincial Military Command, said that the healthcare and gift-presentation program not only strengthens the friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, particularly between Kien Giang and Kampot provinces, but also supports the efforts of Search and Collection Team K92 in gathering information about the graves of fallen Vietnamese soldiers. This helps the team in their mission of searching for and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who laid down their lives while serving in Cambodia during wartime.
Translated by Tran Hoai