Free health checkups and medicines provided to 2,700 disadvantaged people, persons with disabilities and orphans

On September 13, in Long Khanh Ward, Dong Nai City, the Ho Chi Minh City Association for the Support of People with Disabilities and Orphans, in coordination with the Dong Nai Association for the Support of People with Disabilities, Orphans and Poor Patients and the Xuan Loc Bishop’s Office, organized a free healthcare program providing medical examinations, treatment, dental care and medicines to 2,700 residents.

Residents receive general health checkups. Photo: Danh Loc

The annual social welfare program aims to support healthcare for disadvantaged people, help ease their difficulties in life, and promote the spirit of mutual support within the community.

Residents receive medical examinations and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. Photo: Danh Loc

Hundreds of medical professionals and volunteers served in the program. The Ho Chi Minh City team included 50 general practitioners and specialists, 40 dentists and dental students from the Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Stomatology Association, more than 50 pharmacists and nurses, as well as dozens of technicians specializing in musculoskeletal care, X-rays and refraction testing, along with volunteers. The Xuan Loc Diocese Health Committee and local parishes also mobilized numerous doctors, healthcare workers and volunteers to participate.

Residents receive dental examinations and treatment. Photo: Danh Loc

Poor people, persons with disabilities and orphans from Long Khanh Ward, Xuan Loc Ward and neighboring localities received blood pressure checks, general medical examinations, and ear, nose and throat examinations. Patients with complex medical conditions were referred for direct consultations with specialists in cardiology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, urology, dermatology, and psychiatry and psychology. Residents also received abdominal, thyroid and breast ultrasounds; chest and heart X-rays; electrocardiograms; and blood glucose tests as medically indicated. Those requiring care for musculoskeletal conditions were also examined and treated.

Doctors provide eye examinations for residents. Photo: Danh Loc

In addition, residents received examinations and treatment for dental conditions, refraction testing, and reading glasses on site or prescription glasses three weeks later. Those who were advised to undergo eye surgery were placed on a list to receive free support.

After their medical examinations, patients receive medicines and free counseling on how to use them. Photo: Danh Loc

After their examinations, patients were provided with medicines and healthcare products as prescribed by doctors. In addition to the medical services, more than 1,300 free meals prepared by the Catholic Women’s Group under the Long Khanh Ward Women’s Union were distributed to program participants.

Organizers prepare thousands of free meals for residents attending the program. Photo: Danh Loc

The program had a total budget of approximately VND250 million, funded through voluntary contributions from doctors, healthcare workers and philanthropists.

By Danh Loc – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho