Dantri Newspaper, in coordination with the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, on March 7 organised a free medical examination programme for residents in a mountainous area of Lao Cai Province.
At the event, residents were screened for a range of conditions, including hepatitis B, blood glucose levels and liver health. Medical staff also performed abdominal and thyroid ultrasounds, measured liver fibrosis, assessed fatty liver conditions and provided general health checks and nutrition advice.
Doctors also focused on common illnesses among older people, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and diabetes. Residents were also given several types of free medication.
Nguyen Xuan Toan, deputy editor-in-chief of Dantri, said the programme aimed to help people in remote areas access central-level healthcare services.
“In 2025, Dantri coordinated with hospitals to organise 15 community health consultation programmes, helping thousands of people benefit from free medical services,” Toan said.
“The programme not only offers opportunities for early disease detection but also raises awareness about regular health check-ups, proper treatment and better self-care.”
Nguyen Thi Nga, Party Secretary and Chairwoman of the People’s Council of Ta Cu Ty Commune, said the locality is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Lao Cai Province, with nearly 7,000 residents and more than 300 poor households.
Difficult terrain makes travel challenging, while local medical facilities remain limited.
Residents mainly seek treatment at Bac Ha regional general hospital, located more than 30km away via winding mountain roads, which typically takes about an hour to reach. Some villages are even farther.
“The difficult journey discourages many people from going for medical check-ups, especially the elderly and those with financial difficulties,” Nga said.
She added that although the programme mainly provided initial screening and examinations, it was highly meaningful for local residents.
“We are deeply moved that doctors travelled such a long distance to examine residents directly. Many people received their first comprehensive health check and blood test here,” she said.
One resident, Vang Thi Nien, who suffers from goitre and hypertension, said she usually has to travel more than 30km each month for medical examinations.
“At my age, travelling far is exhausting. I have to rely on my children to take me to the hospital, which is both costly and tiring. Now doctors have come directly to the commune, and I am very happy,” she said.
Phan Seo Tiem, 64, said he had suffered from joint pain for years but had only taken painkillers because the hospital was too far away.
“It takes a whole day to travel to the hospital, and my children are busy working. Now that doctors have examined me and given advice here, I know my joint disease is serious and requires proper treatment and regular exercise,” he said.
Le Van Thieu, a doctor at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said most residents examined were suffering from chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Several people were found to have very high blood sugar levels despite never having been diagnosed previously.
He said many residents were unaware of their health conditions, had not taken medication or returned for regular check-ups, increasing the risk of complications.
Screening also detected 20 cases of hepatitis B. Early testing allows doctors to monitor liver function, assess the risk of cirrhosis and fatty liver disease, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Doctors noted that limited transportation options mean many residents rarely undergo regular health checks. A lack of awareness also leads some to avoid medical examinations even when symptoms appear.
Another issue observed was that daily habits and diets among residents were not always healthy. Alcohol consumption remains common, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses, particularly liver, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Following the examinations, doctors provided tailored consultations for each patient. Those with cardiovascular disease and hypertension received adjusted prescriptions to better control blood pressure.
To date, Dantri Newspaper has coordinated with hospitals and local authorities to organise 32 free health consultation programmes, benefiting more than 6,000 residents.