Charity clinic at Ho Chi Minh City church offers lifeline to needy patients

For more than 12 years, the Mai Khoi – Dong Tien Clinic has provided free examinations and medication to those unable to afford care, serving dozens of patients each day with support from volunteer doctors and donors.

The clinic is overseen by Father Dinh Tran Thanh Tu, 55, who has led it since its founding.

Nguyen Hong Quan, 21, who manages the dispensary, said most patients are people facing hardship or homeless with no one to rely on.

“Doctors who work here do not charge any fees,” Quan said.

“On average, we see 60-70 patients a day, and on peak days, especially Wednesdays, the number can exceed 100. It is tiring, but we are happy to help.”

Volunteer doctors devote time, expertise

Among the volunteers is Dr. Tran Dinh Vu, 49, a neurologist at Saigon Medic.

Introduced to the clinic by a colleague in 2013, Vu has returned almost weekly since then.

“Serving the poor is also a way for me to live out my faith,” he said.

Other volunteer physicians work at major city hospitals such as Nhan Dan 115, Nguyen Trai and Trung Vuong, or operate private clinics.

Some follow fixed schedules, while others assist when time allows.

Despite receiving no compensation, they remain committed to providing attentive and compassionate care.

Nguyen Thi Mong Phi, 60, from Vuon Lai Ward, has sought treatment at the clinic for nearly five years for chronic knee pain.

“Since I found this place, I no longer worry about money when I need medical care,” she said.

“I am examined for free and the medicine is also free.”

She said the pain has eased and no longer keeps her awake at night.

Tran Thi Hanh, 68, from Xuan Hoa Ward, said her severe shoulder pain also improved significantly after treatment and follow-up visits.

Backed by donors, church community

The clinic operates daily from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and has maintained the routine for more than a decade despite financial strain.

Funding comes mainly from philanthropists in Vietnam and overseas through church networks.

Local authorities have facilitated administrative procedures and granted certain tax exemptions to help the clinic operate more smoothly.

According to Quan, medicine alone costs nearly VND100 million (US$3,820) per month, excluding other supplies.

“Without benefactors and donors, it would be very difficult to continue,” he said.

Parish priests encourage residents to help clean and arrange seating before consultation hours and urge staff to persevere during difficult periods, reminding them that many people still need help, Quan said.

Beyond medical services, the clinic distributes essential goods to patients facing extreme hardship. 

Launched about three years ago, the program is usually held around Christmas, when about 200 gift packages containing rice, soy sauce, and instant noodles are prepared.

Though modest, the gifts reflect the collective efforts of staff and benefactors.

“Out of compassion,” Father Tu said when asked what motivates him to continue the clinic’s work.

“When I see people suffering from illness and hardship, I feel I must try to help. Anyone who is sick longs to recover.”

Dr. Vu recalled that many patients had continued visiting the clinic for years until their passing.

“Some left instructions in their wills for funeral donations to be given to the clinic to support other poor patients,” he said.

“Others donated their savings and remaining belongings. We are deeply grateful for their generosity.”

Mission rooted in Catholic service

The clinic traces its beginnings to 2003, when members of the Camillian Order, also known as the Order of St. Camillus, a Catholic religious order dedicated to caring for the sick, began providing healthcare to poor patients in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.

In 2007, they opened a charity facility near the Nhieu Loc Canal to meet growing demand.

Two years later, after Dong Tien Church provided land within its grounds, operations moved there and the clinic adopted its current name.

Since then, services have expanded in line with patient needs and the availability of volunteers.

Today, it provides internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, physiotherapy, traditional acupuncture, dentistry, and ophthalmology, with departments operating regularly or according to doctors’ schedules.

As evening traffic grows heavier outside, its lights continue to shine behind the church gates, offering care and dignity to those who might otherwise go without.