French doctors join free medical program for thousands in Vietnam’s Vinh Long

The annual program was organized by Cuu Long University in the province’s Phu Quoi Commune in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Association for the Support of Disabled People and Orphans and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vinh Long Department of Public Security.

The volunteer medical workers included doctors from France, among them Dr. Jean Claude Labourel, who traveled to Vietnam to take part in the humanitarian effort.

Dr. Labourel said it was his first visit to Vietnam and his first time taking part in a medical charity mission in the country.

He arrived early at the event and examined and diagnosed local residents.

“I feel very happy and honored to contribute to this humanitarian effort,” Dr. Labourel said, expressing hope that patients’ health would improve after receiving treatment.

“If I have the opportunity, I would be glad to take part in similar charity missions in the future."

An estimated 4,000 people, including elderly individuals living alone, people with disabilities, orphaned children, local workers, students, and other disadvantaged residents from the province and nearby areas, received medical consultations and free medicine.

Rector of Cuu Long University Luong Minh Cu said the charity event has been held for four consecutive years to support low-income residents in the community.

Alongside its education and training mission, the university also places strong emphasis on social welfare activities aimed at promoting compassion and solidarity, he said.

In addition to French doctors, more than 300 doctors and medical staff from major hospitals such as Ho Chi Minh City-based Cho Ray Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital took part in the program, Cu said.

The university also mobilized hundreds of lecturers and students from health-related faculties to assist doctors and guide patients.

The initiative gave students an opportunity to strengthen their professional skills while fostering a sense of responsibility and community service.

Organizers said the total budget for the program exceeded VND400 million (US$15,250).

Lecturers, staff members, and employees of the university contributed around VND150 million ($5,700) to purchase gifts for people attending the charity program.

At the event, patients received consultations in specialties including internal medicine, general surgery, dentistry, and musculoskeletal conditions.

The program also provided free eye examinations and glasses for people with refractive errors or other eye conditions.

After the check-ups, Vietnamese and French doctors prescribed and distributed medicine free of charge to the patients.