A mesmerizing trip to Kien Giang
Accompanying the VinaCapital Foundation crew to Rach Gia City in Kien Giang Province, I had more than one “first time”: First time to visit Rach Gia, first time to join VCF on an outreach clinic, first time to see Rach Gia airport, first time to work with the Tam Duc Heart Hospital crew. But if I were to describe what the trip was like, it was a ride touched with sadness, happiness, and fun altogether.
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City at 6:20 a.m., we arrived at Rach Gia at 7 a.m. We would stay there for two days to hold a medical outreach clinic, where volunteer doctors examine hundreds of poor children to see if they have congenital heart problems. The volunteer doctors and nurses all came from Tam Duc Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The members from VCF were Michelle, Susan, Mimi, Tuan, Thu, and Hong. On the way to a restaurant where we had breakfast, we passed beautiful, peaceful houses. It was surprising to see how developed Rach Gia was. However, I realized the appearance didn’t speak honestly as we began to welcome heart patients to our free check-up at the Traditional Medicine Hospital.
No matter how one looked at it, like many rural regions in Vietnam, the place was over-crowded with people who are too poor to afford good healthcare. Susan pointed out and showed me kids with clear congenital heart defect symptoms: Blue lips, blue fingers or toes. When the heart is not working properly, it cannot pump blood to these areas, that’s why their skin appears to be paler, bluer than us healthy ones. I felt quite pity for Michelle for having a stomach problem. It took all her energy during the day. Despite that, as long as she was in front of a child, she showed them the most shining, friendly smile, said hello and took their pictures. I was really touched that every person in the crew loved children very much and they were doing their best to help.
It was very sad to see many people are still living in sub-standard conditions. Mothers and fathers from hundreds kilometers away who live in islands, forest, etc. came to have their children examined. Many babies were so ill that they stayed still in Mom’s arms, not being able to move or run or play. There was one baby who had all kinds of heart defect. It was the only case the doctor said they could do nothing. Eventually we recorded his parents’ contact information to see if there is hope to send him overseas for treatment. His father, a teacher, and mom, a housewife, had a combined monthly income of 300,000 VND which is less than $20. There were Mrs. Linh and her daughter Lan Anh, a very intelligent and lovely girl. Her father died just a year ago. She was their only child. Their family struggled to earn money by selling ice cream and lived a few hours away by motor bike. Mrs. Linh had only Lan Anh left. When she knew her daughter had heart defect, she was in despair. As she told us her story, she burst into tears. Susan looked like she was about to cry. For me, I didn’t know what to say.
Coming to see this, anyone would feel so lucky. The inequality in healthcare service between city and rural (Ho Chi Minh City – Kien Giang and Rach Gia – its suburbs) exists. Many people do not have enough knowledge or money to protect their health. This is the reality lying behind the beautiful city.
I think my reward from this trip was to be able to meet so many people: From Tam Duc, from Kien Giang, from SAPP (Sponsoring Association for Poor Patients) and from VCF. Different people, different occupations are coming together to make Vietnam a better place for children. I am glad I was a part of this. There is only one left question to ask: “How about you?”
Families from all over Kien Giang Province and the surrounding areas wait in the registration line so their children can be examined for possible congenital heart defects at the medical outreach clinic sponsored by the VinaCapital Foundation.
A young patient receives a diagnostic ultrasound test to determine if he needs heart surgery.
I really love you Mom!
Poor children and their parents wait to receive an ultrasound and cardiograph of the child's heart at a medical outreach clinic in Kien Giang Province, sponsored by the VinaCapital Foundation.
Mrs. Linh and her daughter, Lan Anh, waiting to be examined by the volunteer cardiologists.
Child with breathing difficulties received diagnostic ultrasound testing for her heart.
Child whose case is so severe that doctors in Vietnam cannot operate on his heart, so they sent him home without treatment. Can you help us to help him? Can you see how blue he is due to his heart condition?
Look at how blue his hands are. He desperately needs our help!
Tuyen graduated from RMIT Vietnam University in 2009. She currently works for APCO Worldwide in HCMC, an investment consulting and public affairs agency, and volunteers with VCF in her spare time.
A donation of $1,000 will be matched by VinaCapital and fund one medical outreach clinic and provide free medical care to 400-500 children. A donation of $12,500 will fund an entire year of medical outreach clinics, providing free medical care to thousands of poor children across Vietnam.
Learn more about our Medical Outreach Clinics
