Maximising time to support Dak Lak province in post-disaster recovery

On November 27, it was the final day of a working trip to Dong Nai province, where we supported the people of Dak Lak province in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters.

Health staff in Dong Nai province assist elderly seniors in accessing medical examinations after the natural disaster. Photo: Cong Nghia

Before completing their mission, the working groups remained closely engaged with local areas, supporting communes that suffered severe damage to housing and environmental sanitation after the floods, as large numbers of dead livestock and poultry had not yet been disposed of, posing a high risk of disease outbreaks.

One of the key tasks of the working trip was to continue providing free medical checkups and medicine to locals. Accordingly, on the morning of November 27, the Dong Nai provincial working team deployed three medical groups to distribute medicine and conduct examinations at three health stations in Tuy An commune, including Tuy An Dong, An Ninh Tay, and An Thach.

A local brings a child for medical examination due to respiratory issues. Photo: Cong Nghia

Due to prolonged flooding and limited access to medical services, the number of elderly seniors and children suffering from common illnesses surged, including conditions related to blood pressure, cardiovascular health, diabetes, respiratory, and digestive systems. Meanwhile, the local healthcare system faced shortages in personnel, equipment, and essential medicines necessary to conduct medical examinations. Therefore, the presence of medical staff and doctors from Dong Nai province in the communes was both necessary and timely.

An elderly patient undergoes an electrocardiogram during a medical examination. Photo: Cong Nghia

Duong Hoai Vu, Head of the Emergency Department at Thong Nhat General Hospital (Dong Nai province), stated that medical examinations conducted for residents of Tuy An commune revealed that the health of local people had been significantly impacted by the flood, particularly among the elderly and children. Many elderly individuals are undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses but have not had the means for follow-up visits, which could lead to worsening conditions. Therefore, post-flood medical checkups and health consultations are critically important and should be strengthened, particularly for those with serious illnesses and in difficult family situations.

Residents wear raincoats to access medical examinations due to cold weather and returning rain. Photo: Cong Nghia

To support the communes and medical staff in continuing their work in the coming days, on this occasion, Director of the Department of Health of Dong Nai province Do Thi Nguyen provided 10 million dong in support to the People's Committees of Tuy An, Tay Hoa, Hoa Thinh, and Hoa My communes. In addition, the Department of Health of Dong Nai province also provided 10 million dong to each health station in those communes to support the on-site medical staff. The total amount of support provided on the morning of November 27 was 100 million dong.

According to information from the working team, this morning, the Red Cross of Dong Nai province distributed 250 gift packages to residents in each of the four communes: Tuy An, Tay Hoa, Hoa Thinh, and Hoa My. The Department of Health also provided 50 gift packages to residents of Tuy An commune. Later today, a vehicle carrying 1,000 gift packages from the Department of Health of Dong Nai province will be sent to the Department of Health of Dak Lak province for distribution to residents.

Most people attending medical examinations are elderly and children. Photo: Cong Nghia

Doctors conduct thorough medical examinations and offer guidance to residents. Photo: Cong Nghia

Medical staff distribute free medicines to the people. Photo: Cong Nghia

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Minh Hanh, Minho