Vietnam’s participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations marks a major milestone in its international integration, demonstrating a commitment to global peace and security. Following directives from the Party, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defense, Vietnam established U.N.-standard Level-2 Field Hospitals to provide medical care, emergency resuscitation, and evacuation for critically ill patients at peacekeeping missions.
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Medical personnel of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 perform surgery for a patient in South Sudan. |
Military Hospital 175 was initially tasked with deploying Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 1, establishing a foundation for the military medical force's long-term U.N. peacekeeping engagement.
Major General Nguyen Hong Son, former Director of Military Hospital 175, noted that this mission presented entirely new challenges. Operating under U.N. standards differs significantly from wartime or disaster response, requiring comprehensive readiness in staffing, logistics, operational procedures, and foreign language proficiency. All elements must satisfy rigorous U.N. assessments. Consequently, the sector underwent meticulous preparation, including personnel selection and synchronized training to meet these requirements.
October 1, 2018 marked a historic milestone as Rotation 1 deployed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), signifying Vietnam’s first unit-level participation in peacekeeping. Subsequent rotations have since ensured continuity and expanded expertise.
Major General Son emphasized that a hallmark of the force is professional excellence under field conditions. Vietnamese field hospitals have successfully treated complex diseases, performed difficult surgeries, and managed aeromedical evacuations. He added that their strong responsibility, strict discipline, and humanitarian conduct have enabled seamless integration into multinational environments.
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The personnel of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 provide healthcare consultations and distribute gifts to local residents in South Sudan. |
Over more than a decade, Vietnam’s military medical force has consistently fulfilled its role in U.N. peacekeeping operations. The U.N. has sent letters of appreciation to the Vietnamese Government, while deployed units have been awarded U.N. peacekeeping medals and highly praised for their professionalism, discipline, and humanitarian spirit.
These achievements not only contribute to enhancing the image of Vietnam’s military doctors, but also reinforcing the prestige and standing of the Vietnam People’s Army in the international arena.
Translated by Trung Thanh