The programme, held on July 8 ahead of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27, delivered in-home health checks and support to veterans and individuals with meritorious service to the revolution in Vinh Linh District.
The delegation included Pham Tuan Anh, Editor-in-Chief of Dantri; Tran Hoai Nam, Secretary of the Youth Union at 19-8 Hospital; and Do Thi Thuy Van, Communications Director at Pharmacity.
Among the veterans visited was 75-year-old Nguyen Huu Ngan, who, along with his brother, fought in the fierce 1972 battle to defend Quang Tri Citadel. His brother died in combat, while Ngan lost his left arm due to injury.
The team also visited and examined nine other severely wounded veterans across Vinh Linh. At each home, the delegation offered kind words and encouragement alongside medical care.
Nguyen Huu Benh, 75, is immobile due to severe gout and a shrapnel fragment lodged in his cervical spine. His wife, Phan Thi Loan, 71, suffers from 81 per cent disability due to Agent Orange exposure. Her eyesight is fading, and her trembling hands make it difficult for her to perform daily tasks.
Now elderly and living with the lingering effects of war, the couple relies heavily on the care of their children and support from local authorities. “My wife and I have lived with illness for years, but the care and kindness of our family and community keep us going,” Benh said emotionally.
Another veteran, Doan Xuan Huy, 87, also suffers from the long-term consequences of Agent Orange exposure. As a former clerk on the battlefield in the Binh Tri Thien region, Huy occasionally experiences unexplained skin haemorrhages. What haunts him most, however, is the genetic legacy passed on to his youngest daughter, who was born with disabilities related to the toxin.
“Every time I look at her, my heart aches,” he said in a trembling voice. “I only wish she could live a normal life like others.”
Similarly, 74-year-old Hoang Thi Ke, who joined the resistance against US forces at just 17, recalled being exposed to Agent Orange while transporting supplies. Since then, she has lived with neurological damage that leaves her unable to perform basic movements.
After completing examinations in the area, doctors noted that most of the veterans suffer from war-related injuries compounded by age-related conditions such as joint pain, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
“We want to offer practical healthcare support to our veterans, those who sacrificed so much for the nation. This is our way of expressing gratitude and ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten,” said Tran Hoai Nam.
As part of the initiative, Dantri will present 50 cash gifts of VND 1 million (approximately USD 40) each to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers and wounded soldiers. Pharmacity has donated 300 gift packages worth VND 500,000 (approximately USD 20) each and 20 scholarships of VND 1 million for underprivileged students in Vinh Linh. Doctors from the 19-8 Hospital are providing free consultations and medical advice throughout the campaign.
