More than 200 Dao people attend a health consultation programme in the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang on December 28
More than 200 Dao people attended a health consultation programme organised by Dantri/Dtinews Newspaper and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Cao Bo Commune in the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang on the morning of December 28, aiming to reduce long standing gaps in medical access in the highlands.
Cao Bo has 4,215 residents across 798 households, about 95 per cent of whom are Dao, said Chu Hung Cuong, deputy chairman of the local people’s committee. The population is scattered across mountain ridges in the Tay Con Linh range, making access to healthcare extremely limited.
Most families rely on forest foraging and harvesting tea as their main source of income. Average annual earnings are just VND 28 million (about USD 1,100), placing the commune among the poorest in the region.
Living conditions remain difficult due to weak transport infrastructure and low education levels. Two hamlets located on mountain peaks still have no electricity, Cuong said.
Residents can visit the commune health station for minor illnesses, but serious cases require travel to a district general hospital. During the rainy season from May to October, heavy rainfall often makes roads impassable, leaving patients unable to reach medical facilities.
Cuong said the consultation programme was particularly valuable for ethnic minority communities, helping residents understand their health conditions, seek timely treatment and improve awareness of disease prevention.
Ban Thi Po, 71, and her sister Ban Thi Xiep, 69, were brought to the consultation site by their children. Doctors examined them and provided detailed advice on headaches, joint pain and blood pressure, prescribing medication and explaining care routines, diet and proper drug use.
Ban Thi Po and her sister Ban Thi Xiep arrive at the consultation site
Po said she was delighted and hoped doctors would return regularly so she would not have to endure long and exhausting journeys for treatment.
Doctor Khuat Thi Phuong Linh said common conditions in the area include high blood pressure, joint pain and knee degeneration caused by frequent mountain climbing. High alcohol consumption has also led to a significant incidence of liver disease.
After consultations, residents received free medicines including antibiotics, vitamin B supplements, liver support drugs, treatments for musculoskeletal and stomach conditions, gastric acid inhibitors, mucosal protectants and basic health tests.
Doctors also advised children and older people on protecting their health during colder weather and preventing common illnesses after heavy rain and floods.
