The program was initiated by center 2 under the Vietnam Relief Association for Handicapped Children in 2006. Since its inception, the program has been rolled out in provinces and cities across the country, including Dien Bien.
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A doctor provides health check-up for a girl at Dien Bien Provincial General Hospital. |
Medical screenings and surgical interventions for children with disabilities are being carried out at health centers across Dien Bien. So far this year, 242 children have been identified for diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and the provision of assistive devices. The children face a range of conditions, including visual impairments, maxillofacial and ENT disorders, motor impairments, burns, and urological issues. The program continues to receive walk-in patients for screening and surgery from June 1 to 6.
This year’s edition is supported by a team of leading medical experts from top institutions such as the National Eye Hospital, Viet Duc University Hospital, Saint Paul Hospital, and the Vinh Center for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. These specialists are directly involved in surgical procedures, particularly in complex cases requiring advanced expertise.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Phạm Giang Nam, Director of the provincial Department of Health, emphasized that in a province like Dien Bien, where socio-economic conditions remain challenging, children, especially those with disabilities, are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Currently, around 5,500 children in the province live with various forms of disability, ranging from congenital malformations and physical or sensory impairments to intellectual disabilities or injuries sustained from accidents.
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The organizing board presents gifts to children from disadvantaged backgrounds at the event. |
Most of them come from low-income families, many of them members of ethnic minority communities living in remote, mountainous areas. Access to quality healthcare remains limited due to geographical, financial, and awareness-related barriers, leaving many without timely medical attention.
Since 2019, the program has screened over 1,300 children across Dien Bien province. Of these, 627 have undergone successful surgery, 27 received minor procedures, 19 were referred to higher-level medical facilities, and hundreds more have been provided with assistive devices and guidance for home-based treatment.
On this occasion, the organizing board also presented gifts to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Source: VNA