Against this backdrop, Non-commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Phan Anh Tuan and his comrades at the Bai Dinh civilian-military medical clinic (under the Cha Lo International Border Post of the Quang Tri provincial Border Guard Command) are dedicated to the villages, standing ready to provide free medical check-ups and treatments to locals.
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Non-commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Phan Anh Tuan guiding patients to use medicine |
Residents of Bai Dinh village often recount the incident when Tuan promptly saved Ho Thi Van’s life as she was critically stung by wild bees while clearing land. Upon receiving the news, Tuan immediately carried his medical kit to the scene. Relying on his knowledge and experience, he quickly provided first aid, treated the stings, applied anti-shock medication, and closely monitored the weakened patient’s health.
After intensive treatment, the patient survived the critical condition and gradually recovered. While the victim’s family was immensely grateful, Tuan considered it just part of his duty, sharing that he is always ready to set off whenever locals call for help. Behind this simplicity lies his countless nights trekking through forests and braving harsh weather to save lives.
Having spent four years in the border area, Tuan is well-acquainted with every trail and the circumstances of households in Ka Ai, Cha Lo, Bai Dinh, and Oc villages. These are remote areas with limited accessibility, tough living conditions, and high disease risks due to limited medical awareness and backward customs.
Beyond medical treatment, the military medics persistently visit every home to disseminate information and guide locals on disease prevention. They meticulously explain basic practices, from washing hands and drinking boiled water to caring for pregnant women and children. The Bai Dinh civil-military medical station receives and provides free medicines to 150-200 people monthly. During peak times, Tuan and his comrades work tirelessly from early morning until late evening to examine patients and offer health consultations.
The military medic shared that since locals often hesitate or find it difficult to seek medical care, soldiers must proactively reach out to support them with the dedication of a physician. This devotion has gradually shifted the locals’ mindset, helping them take the initiative in their healthcare and abandon outdated habits for a scientific lifestyle.
Furthermore, the Bai Dinh civilian-military medical clinic model, invested by the Quang Tri provincial Border Guard Command, has proven effective in combining public healthcare with local security maintenance. Although the facilities are increasingly upgraded, it is the dedicated military medics like Tuan who truly constitute the “soul” of the facility, bringing warmth, trust, and hope to local people.
For people in the border areas , the image of military medics in white coats ready to serve people at any time has become deeply familiar. Amidst many hardships in the mountainous border area, Lieutenant Colonel Phan Anh Tuan remains quiet and persistent with his work. He keeps on crossing forests and streams with his medical bag, not only to take care of public health but also solidify the locals’ trust in the Vietnam Border Guard force. These simple deeds have nurtured the military-civilian solidarity, contributing to maintaining peace along the national border.
Translated by Minh Anh