Over 100 doctors from Australia provide free health checkups for residents in north-central Vietnam

The People’s Committee of Phong Nha Commune announced on Wednesday that a delegation of over 100 medical professionals from Australia had arrived in the area to conduct a large-scale volunteer healthcare program for local people from Tuesday to Thursday.

The program was organized by the social work fund named after Vietnam People's Armed Forces Hero Phan Trong Binh in coordination with AusViet Charity Foundation Limited, as part of the 45th spreading love journey themed ‘Light and Smiles.’

Among the visiting medical professionals were Vietnamese doctors who are currently living and working in Australia, alongside Australian healthcare workers.

The medical delegation brought along modern medical equipment and machines to support examinations and treatment for residents.

The healthcare services include general checkups, dental and oral examinations, ear-nose-throat consultations, and free medicine distribution.

The team also performed cataract surgeries on-site for patients.

Around 1,500 residents, mainly elderly people, low-income households, and families facing difficult circumstances in Phong Nha Commune, received free healthcare services from the volunteer doctors from Australia.

In addition to medical support, the delegation presented nearly 1,700 gift packages containing essential goods to disadvantaged households.

The total cost of the entire program was some VND2.8 billion (US$106,810).

Speaking at the event, Major General Phan Khac Hai, former Deputy Minister of Culture and Information and chairman of the sponsorship council of the fund, said the ‘Light and Smiles’ journey has been maintained for many years with the goal of bringing high-quality healthcare services to communities facing difficulties.

Major General Hai emphasized that the efforts of more than 100 volunteer doctors from Australia, who dedicated their time, resources, and modern medical equipment to Phong Nha, represented not only meaningful contributions to public healthcare but also demonstrated the strong connection and affection of overseas Vietnamese and international friends toward Vietnam.