“White-coated soldiers” carry forward legacy of gratitude to national contributors

Alongside their daily commitment to patient care, doctors and medical staff in Dong Nai City continue to demonstrate their gratitude to national contributors through free medical check-ups, health consultations, medication distribution, and gift-giving programs.

These practical activities help uphold the moral tradition of "when drinking water, remember its source" while improving health care for policy beneficiary families.

Bringing medical care closer to national contributors

Tran Dinh Chung (born in 1959), originally from the former Nam Dinh Province, now Ninh Binh Province, and currently residing in Long Hung Ward, Dong Nai City, enlisted in the military at the age of 18. He recalled that a year after enlisting, he participated in the defense of the southwestern border before being transferred to Lang Son to take part in the 1979 northern border defense war.

After years of military service, Chung said he considers himself fortunate to have returned safely and to be living with his family in peacetime. However, memories of comrades who devoted their youth and remain forever on the battlefield always stay with him, especially on occasions such as April 30 and July 27.

A doctor from University Medical Shing Mark Hospital in Long Hung Ward examines a revolutionary contributor on July 27. Photo: Bich Nhan

Now in his later years, Chung lives with multiple health conditions, including joint pain, chronic coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes. As traveling has become increasingly difficult, he must visit the hospital regularly for medical check-ups.

"Hearing about the organization of free medical check-ups in the local area always brings me great joy. I feel very happy. Especially today, July 27, I met doctors from University Medical Shing Mark Hospital who have treated and monitored my condition over the past several years. Hearing them call my name, ask about my health, and remember my medical history made me both surprised and deeply moved. Such sincere care gives veterans like me immense encouragement," said Chung.

Doctors from Dong Nai General Hospital in Tam Hiep Ward provide medical check-ups for wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and policy beneficiary families in Bien Hoa Ward.

To commemorate the 79th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, University Medical Shing Mark Hospital, in coordination with the Long Hung Ward People's Committee, organized a program on the morning of July 27 at the Ward Health Station to provide free medical check-ups, health consultations, medication, and 200 gift packages for policy beneficiaries, families with meritorious services to the revolution, and disadvantaged households in the ward.

Early in the morning, veteran Luong Thai Son, a resident of Quarter 5 in Long Hung Ward, arrived to have his blood pressure and cardiovascular health checked and undergo a medical examination. Son said he enlisted in the military at the age of 18 in 1978. After receiving training, he was sent to perform international duties in Cambodia in 1984.

For many years, public and private hospitals have organized medical examination and gift-giving programs for veterans and policy beneficiary families on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day each July 27. These activities contribute to protecting, caring for, and improving the health of people with meritorious services to the revolution, while reflecting the moral tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source" and expressing gratitude from today's generation to heroes, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and martyrs' families.

Each outreach visit is not only a professional medical activity but also an opportunity for doctors to listen to wartime stories and contribute to improving the health of those who have contributed and sacrificed for the country.

Now nearly 70 years old, Son has cardiovascular disease that has affected his health. Several years ago, he suffered a coronary artery blockage and underwent the placement of four stents to maintain blood flow to his heart. Since then, he has visited the hospital once a month to receive medication.

"For elderly people whose health has declined, having doctors come directly to the community to provide medical check-ups and consultations is truly valuable. It is a wonderful source of encouragement for veterans like us, helping us avoid the need for long-distance travel for medical care. I will certainly continue participating in similar medical examination programs," said Son.

Every medical check-up reflects gratitude

Specialist Level I Doctor Nguyen Tat Trung, Head of the General Planning Department at Dong Nai General Hospital, said the hospital organizes more than 10 free medical outreach trips each year in localities both within and outside Dong Nai City. Many of these programs are dedicated specifically to veterans, national contributors, and relatives of policy beneficiary families.

"During examinations, we found that most participants were elderly and lived with multiple chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, lumbar spine degeneration, knee osteoarthritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sleep disorders. These conditions require long-term monitoring and treatment. Patients with serious illnesses or those requiring more specialized examinations are referred to Dong Nai General Hospital for further examination and treatment," said Dr. Trung.

On some outreach trips, team members must depart as early as 4 or 5 a.m. to reach remote areas on time. Among the many field visits he has participated in, Dr. Trung said one he could never forget was a medical examination program for policy beneficiary families and national contributors in Cam My Commune.

"It is much more than a routine medical examination. After the consultations, we spend time talking with elderly people who experienced the war, as they share memories of those years. Every story is deeply moving, and we sincerely admire the determination and resilience of the older generation. Being able to use our professional expertise to care for their health is not only the responsibility of a physician but also a way for today's generation to express gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions of our predecessors," said Dr. Trung.

In addition to free medical check-ups, gift packages are presented to wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and policy beneficiary families during activities marking the 79th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day in Long Hung Ward. Photo: Bich Nhan

Whenever University Medical Shing Mark Hospital organizes medical examination and treatment programs for people with meritorious services to the revolution, Specialist Level I Doctor Tran Duc Huu in the Department of Cardiology always makes time to participate. According to Dr. Huu, these programs provide an opportunity for medical staff to meet and listen to the stories of the previous generation, who sacrificed their blood, health and even parts of their bodies for the country's independence and peace. Witnessing many elderly participants using wheelchairs or crutches, or living with war-related disabilities, has helped young doctors gain a deeper appreciation of the value of peace.

"Many elderly people continue to live with illnesses and injuries caused by the war, while traveling has become increasingly difficult for them. Therefore, programs that bring doctors directly to local communities to provide examinations, consultations, and health monitoring are highly practical and should be maintained and expanded. Contributing my professional expertise to care for national contributors is both the responsibility of a physician and a way for the younger generation to express gratitude. I will certainly continue participating in these medical outreach programs," said Dr. Huu.

By visiting local communities and even individual homes to provide medical examinations for people with meritorious services to the revolution, doctors and medical staff not only deliver practical healthcare but also demonstrate the community's profound gratitude. These activities help local authorities provide better care for policy beneficiary families while promoting the spirit of solidarity and community responsibility.

By Bich Nhan – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho