Jointly managed by Vietnam’s Ha Tinh Provincial Border Guard Command, the infirmary provides reliable healthcare services for people in remote areas where medical access remains limited. Around the clock, its staff quietly and tirelessly care for patients, contributing to strengthening the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
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Staff of the Military-Civilian Infirmary in Thoong Pe village visit patients at home who face difficulties in traveling. |
One late night, Va Tong Vu rushed his wife, Nang Ma Ly, to the infirmary as she suffered from severe abdominal pain and exhaustion. Despite the late hour, the medical team immediately diagnosed her with food poisoning. Thanks to timely emergency care, she recovered from the critical stage and regained stability.
"When my wife became seriously ill, we had nowhere else to turn," Va Tong Vu said. "For us, the Vietnamese military doctors are like family, always ready to help."
Established in 2007 to address healthcare shortages in border villages, the clinic operates five rooms and treats 10 to 15 patients daily. Beyond serving Thoong Pe village, it assists residents from five nearby areas who often trek for hours through forests to seek care.
Non-Commissioned Major Nguyen Van Toan, the infirmary’s head, stated that staff prioritize serving the local population. They remain ready to respond day or night, often traveling to remote villages to provide on-site treatment. For complex cases, they coordinate prompt transfers to higher-level facilities to ensure patient safety.
Despite limited infrastructure, the staff remain committed to their mission, becoming trusted figures in local households. "In the past, villagers relied on shamans, which was risky," said U Day, head of Thoong Pe village. "Now, people trust modern medicine and see the Vietnamese medical staff as part of our community."
Beyond treatment, the infirmary promotes disease prevention and hygiene. These efforts have improved local living conditions while strengthening the special bond between the Vietnamese and Lao people.
Translated by Tran Hoai