Overnight preparations for medical check-ups, medicines and gifts for flood-hit compatriots

On the evening of November 25, more than 100 doctors and healthcare staff from Dong Nai province, part of the provincial task force, arrived in several communes of Dak Lak province to prepare for medical examinations, distribute medicines, and deliver gifts to residents affected by natural disasters and floods.

An ambulance from Thong Nhat General Hospital, under the Dong Nai Department of Health, is on standby to respond to emergencies as needed. Photo: Cong Nghia

Immediately after a brief working session with the leadership of the Dak Lak Department of Health on the afternoon of November 25 to finalize the plan for assisting locals, the Dong Nai provincial task force split into five teams and headed to the first five communes to begin their work. Distances from the second facility of the Dak Lak Provincial People’s Committee to these communes ranged from 15 to 50 kilometers, with some roads still flooded and areas littered with animal carcasses, such as buffaloes and cattle, which had yet to be cleared.

Nevertheless, with a sense of urgency and determination to overcome all difficulties, the Dong Nai teams made the most of every hour, preparing to conduct medical examinations for residents throughout the night.

The teams also took the opportunity to visit and provide guidance to healthcare staff at commune health stations on measures to enhance the effectiveness of diagnosing and treating common illnesses during the flood season, such as skin diseases, eye conditions, ear-nose-throat issues, and hypertension.       

A member of the task force cleans the community hall in Son Thanh Dong commune, the designated area for receiving residents who come for medical examinations. Photo: Cong Nghia

Task Force No. 5 of the Dong Nai provincial team, directly led by Do Thi Nguyen, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, comprises 25 members, including doctors and healthcare staff from Dong Nai General Hospital and Thong Nhat General Hospital, as well as faculty and students from Dong Nai Medical College. The team arrived at the central community hall of Son Thanh Dong commune in Dak Lak province after dark. Fortunately, the area had been drained of floodwater and was relatively clean and safe.

Despite a long journey and continuous travel with no time for lunch, most members had only eaten bread or sticky rice cakes they had brought, as the team immediately got to work upon arriving at the commune.

Following task assignments, some members transported equipment, medicines, and medical supplies into the hall. Meanwhile, others quickly rearranged tables and chairs to make space for medical examinations and gift distribution for locals.

Medical staff, including doctors and healthcare workers, urgently prepare to receive residents recently affected by the historic floods for health check-ups and medicine distribution. Photo: Cong Nghia

Alongside preparations to receive residents for medical examinations, the task force leadership also took the time to review the list of residents scheduled for consultations on the morning of November 26, as well as the number of family medicine kits, gifts, and cash allocations to be distributed.

Truong Ngoc Hoang, Secretary of the Son Thanh Dong Commune Party Committee, stated, “Having endured the floods for several days, the demand for medical consultations and treatment is very high, especially given the current difficulties in accessing healthcare services and medicines. The commune is very pleased that the team of officials and doctors from Dong Nai province began work immediately upon arrival. This endeavor ensures that when residents come for medical examinations tomorrow morning, November 26, they will not have to wait long, particularly given the large number of people registered for consultations.”

A suitcase containing emergency medical equipment from Thong Nhat General Hospital in Dong Nai province is brought along to support emergency response efforts. Photo: Cong Nghia

Boxes of medicines and medical supplies are moved into the hall of Son Thanh Dong commune. Photo: Cong Nghia

Medicines and medical supplies are inspected by Dr Do Thi Nguyen, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, immediately upon arrival at Son Thanh Dong commune. Photo: Cong Nghia

Members of the task force transport the supplies from the vehicle. Photo: Cong Nghia

Tables and chairs are neatly arranged to create space for receiving residents seeking medical consultations. Photo: Cong Nghia

Leaders of Son Thanh Dong commune and officials from the Dong Nai Provincial task force discuss the layout of examination tables for residents. Photo: Cong Nghia

In addition to medicines and medical supplies, the delegation also brings food and drinking water to distribute to the residents. Photo: Cong Nghia

Staff from the Office of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee assist the task force in transporting gifts and essential items in preparation for distribution to the community. Photo: Cong Nghia

By Cong Nghia - Translated by Hong Van, Minho