    |
 |
|
Maj. Gen. Phung Ngoc Son chairs the event. |
Reporting on the mission, Colonel Le Dac Phu (from Military Hospital 103, Military Medical University), head of the military medical team, said that the 30-strong team was rapidly deployed to Venezuela under a decision by the Minister of National Defense, with the approval of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Prime Minister. Upon arrival, the team immediately coordinated with local authorities to conduct search and rescue operations and handed over 50.6 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Despite difficult weather conditions, continuing aftershocks, polluted air, and long working hours, the team maintained an intensive operational tempo throughout the mission. It participated in multiple emergency rescue efforts after reports of possible survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism that earned high praise from the Venezuelan authorities and local communities.
|
|
 |
|
Military medical force joining the mission at the event |
During the mission, the whole contingent recovered and handed over the bodies of 57 victims to their families and local authorities, while identifying 46 additional locations for follow-up operations by local rescue forces. The military medical team also established a field medical station, providing treatment for 132 local residents and medical care for delegation members while maintaining strict sanitation and disease prevention measures throughout the deployment.
In addition to delivering food and medical supplies, the delegation shared part of its own rations and essential supplies with residents in the three communities hardest hit by the disaster. Relief packages were distributed to 500 households, including canned food, milk, instant noodles, protective clothing, mosquito nets, blankets, and other daily necessities. Notably, Vietnamese personnel donated their mission allowances and raised a total of USD 15,000 to support earthquake victims.
In recognition of the delegation's contributions, Venezuela's Acting President visited the Vietnamese camp to express appreciation and presented the Hero of Venezuela Medal to the mission members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Phung Ngoc Son congratulated the military medical team on successfully completing its mission and returning home safely. He noted that this was the third overseas disaster relief mission undertaken by Vietnam's military medical force and praised the team's professionalism, initiative, and dedication, which received widespread recognition from the international community.
|
|
 |
|
Outstanding collectives and individuals honored at the conference |
He emphasized that the mission reflected Vietnam's tradition of mutual support, international solidarity, and the noble qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers while helping strengthen the country's reputation and standing on the international stage.
General Son also instructed relevant agencies and units to ensure the returning personnel have adequate time to rest and recover, complete reports on equipment and supplies, and coordinate a comprehensive review of the mission to draw lessons and further improve logistics, technical support, and military medical capabilities in responding to future non-traditional security challenges.
Translated by Tran Hoai