A total of 350 pupils in Na Sang Commune, Dien Bien Province, received free medical examinations and health advice on August 29 through a programme organised by Dantri Newspaper in partnership with the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Residents eagerly brought their children for health checks (Photo: Dinh Tung).
The initiative brought specialist healthcare services to children in one of Vietnam's remote border regions, where access to advanced medical care remains limited.
During the programme, pupils underwent general health assessments, ultrasound examinations, liver fibrosis screening and testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and parasitic infections.
The children also received vitamins, nutritional supplements and confectionery donated by benefactors.
Among the contributions, Dr Le Van Thieu of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases donated 350 boxes of vitamins for the participating pupils. The donation was valued at VND 133 million (about USD 5,100), with each box worth VND 380,000 (about USD 15).
Speaking about the results of the health screenings, Thieu said most of the children were in good health and were affected only by common conditions such as middle-ear infections, acute throat infections and dental problems.
"Several pupils were found to have hepatitis B. They were provided with medical advice and encouraged to attend regular follow-up examinations to reduce the risk of transmission in the future," he said.
Doctors also offered guidance on nutrition, healthy eating habits, hand hygiene, oral care and general health practices.
Dr Le Van Thieu of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases examines students in Na Sang Commune (Photo: Dinh Tung).
Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, principal of Na Sang 1 Semi-Boarding Primary School for Ethnic Minority Pupils, welcomed the programme and described it as particularly valuable for children living in remote and disadvantaged areas.
"This is a very meaningful programme for pupils in isolated communities. The doctors not only helped identify common childhood illnesses at an early stage but also advised parents on how to care for their children and seek treatment when necessary," she said.
Nguyen Vo Nam, vice-chairman of the People's Committee of Na Sang Commune, said the programme provided practical support for local residents.
"On behalf of the commune authorities, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dantri Newspaper and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases for bringing healthcare services to a border community that still faces many challenges," he said.
Nguyen Vo Nam, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Na Sang Commune, Dien Bien Province (Photo: Dinh Tung).
To date, Dantri Newspaper has partnered with hospitals and local authorities nationwide to organise 43 free health consultation programmes, benefiting nearly 9,000 people.