Dantri Newspaper, in collaboration with Moc Hoa District authorities and philanthropists, has launched a programme offering free congenital heart defect screenings for children under 18, along with scholarships for nearly 1,000 students in the area.
On April 20, Dantri, together with the People's Committee of Moc Hoa District, the Ho Chi Minh City Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Association, and several sponsors, held a programme providing free medical screenings and treatment for congenital heart defects. The event also included scholarship awards for disadvantaged students in the region.
Nguyen Thi Cuc, 50, brought her six-year-old grandson Minh Trong for a health check-up after hearing about the visiting medical team.
Nguyen Thi Cuc and her grandson Minh Trong.
Trong has lived with his grandmother since he was 10 months old due to his parents’ divorce and their work commitments away from home. "His mother earns very little, so I also take on extra work to help raise him," Cuc shared. "He often falls sick, but due to our financial constraints, I’ve never been able to take him for a full health screening. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, now I can have peace of mind knowing his heart has been checked."
Do Huyen Tran, 45, also brought her daughter for a health screening and to receive a scholarship. Her husband works at a tourist site while she is a school janitor, and together they earn less than VND13 million (approx. USD 510) per month. “Although I take my daughter for routine check-ups, we've never had her screened for heart defects due to financial reasons. I’m deeply thankful for the support from the community and the programme,” she said.
Do Huyen Tran brings her daughter for a health screening.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, journalist Phan Thai Cong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dantri, stated that the programme aims to screen over 1,000 children for congenital heart defects, award 50 scholarships to outstanding students, and distribute 700 gift sets to underprivileged children.
Journalist Phan Thai Cong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dantri, speaks at the event.
“These meaningful initiatives were made possible thanks to the support of Dantri readers, philanthropists, and local authorities. We especially appreciate the collaboration from the People's Committee of Moc Hoa District, the Ho Chi Minh City Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Association, and Royal Healthcare Centre,” Cong expressed.
Fifty scholarships and 700 gift sets are given to underprivileged children.
Nguyen Thanh Sang, Vice Chairman of Moc Hoa District People's Committee, noted that the border district continues to face economic and social challenges, with most residents relying on farming as their primary source of income.
Nguyen Thanh Sang, Vice Chairman of Moc Hoa District People's Committee, speaks at the event.
“We are incredibly touched and grateful for the support. We hope to continue working with organisations to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
At the event, Dr. Do Nguyen Tin, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Association, emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment of heart defects. A team of experienced doctors from Ho Chi Minh City conducted on-site examinations for local children.
Dr. Do Nguyen Tin, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Association, emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment of heart defects.
“We are delighted to bring these free screenings to the children here. We hope all the children are healthy, and for those diagnosed with heart conditions, we will continue to provide treatment support,” said Dr. Tin.
In recognition of their contributions, the People's Committee of Moc Hoa District awarded certificates of merit to representatives from Dantri’s Editorial Board, the newspaper’s Southern Office and Trade Union, the Ho Chi Minh City Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Association, Dr. Do Nguyen Tin, and Huynh Bao Toan – CEO of Zentado Corporation.