As part of the “Medical Checkups and Gift Distribution – Vietnam United, Spreading Love” program held on May 10, 2025, at Nhuận Đức Middle School (Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City), the event provided nearly 1,000 underprivileged children with the opportunity to receive free general health checkups and gifts. The program was led by Distinguished Physician and Associate Chief Specialist Phan Ngọc Duy Cần of Children’s Hospital No. 1, in collaboration with the Can Tho City Police, the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Equipment Association, Life Gift Vietnam, and many other charitable organizations and individuals.

Outstanding Physician, Dr. Phan Ngọc Duy Cần, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine—team leader (second from the left).

Many medical conditions requiring early treatment have been identified

Of the 1,000 children invited to participate, 950 attended and received a general health checkup. After screening, 71 children were referred for ultrasound exams, which revealed that 3 had congenital heart defects, 1 showed signs of kidney disease, and 1 had cholecystitis—conditions that require early intervention to protect the children’s health and lives.

A large number of children received medical checkups as part of a charity program in Cu Chi District.

Dr. Phan Ngoc Duy Can, a board-certified specialist, carefully examines the child.

In addition, eye examinations of 120 children revealed that as many as 80% of them had myopia—a concerning figure that reflects the current state of vision health among schoolchildren. Numerous cases of pharyngitis, digestive disorders, and anemia were also documented. For severe conditions or those requiring specialized follow-up, the team created medical records, documented the information, and facilitated referrals to Children’s Hospital No. 1 so that the children could continue to receive appropriate specialized care and treatment in the coming period.

The doctors are giving the children health checkups.

Braving the Rain to Reach Children in Remote Areas

Despite the heavy rain, the spirit of volunteerism remained undeterred. Before the medical examination and treatment session began, it rained heavily along the route from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi. All members of the delegation shared the same concern: “The rain might hinder the medical examination activities; if the children can’t make it because of the rain, the program might be interrupted or have to be scaled back…” But as soon as the team’s vehicle arrived at the meeting point, they saw many shuttle buses parked on both sides of the school gate—vehicles that had been arranged early on to transport the children from distant villages to the medical examination site. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Thanks to the close coordination between the organizing committee, local authorities, and support teams, nearly all the children on the list provided earlier by local authorities to the team were present and arrived on time.

Children from many remote villages were brought to the medical clinic.

Without a moment to rest, the doctors and nurses immediately took their positions, divided the examination areas by specialty, prepared the equipment, and began guiding the children to line up for their checkups in an orderly and organized manner. Although the atmosphere was crowded and bustling, it was very warm and friendly. The eager eyes, the giggles, and the tiny hands clutching those of their parents or teachers… made everyone in the group feel that they were doing something deeply meaningful for the lives and futures of the younger generation…

Doctors, nurses, and volunteers prepare medications and medical supplies before the children’s medical checkups in Cu Chi District.

Presenting practical gifts…

The delegation also presented hundreds of practical gifts, including milk, notebooks, backpacks, and cash scholarships, specifically for underprivileged children and children from local ethnic minority groups. Although these gifts may not be substantial in material terms, they are imbued with deep affection and help improve the learning and nutritional conditions for these children—the future of the nation.

The Technical, Operational, and Offline Affairs Division of the Can Tho City Police Department, together with the Dai Loc Furniture Showroom, personally presented 61 gifts to children facing particularly difficult circumstances.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang—Vice Chairwoman of the Cu Chi District People’s Committee—spoke with emotion: “Cu Chi is a former revolutionary base area with many families eligible for government assistance, as well as poor and near-poor households. Providing comprehensive health checkups for children is no easy task without outside support. Most children here only receive regular checkups at school or are taken to see a doctor by their parents when they show symptoms of illness. The fact that the volunteer team came here today to examine nearly 1,000 children is a deeply meaningful act, helping the children undergo screening and enabling the early detection of health issues that require timely intervention. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, this also serves as a token of gratitude to the heroic land of Cu Chi. On behalf of the local government, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team of doctors and medical staff, as well as the sponsors, for joining hands to care for the health of our hometown’s next generation.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang – Vice Chairwoman of the Cu Chi District People’s Committee.

Connecting and Sharing Charitable Contributions from Sponsors Speaking about the opportunity to partner with the program, Mr. Hứa Phú Doãn, M.S.—Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Equipment Association and representative of the sponsor—stated: “This is a collaboration between the Association and Children’s Hospital No. 1 facilitated by Mr. Trần Viết Thanh—CEO of Life Gift Vietnam—a company that has worked closely with us on numerous scientific research and community initiatives. Today, together with Life Gift and our partner organizations, we are deeply honored to contribute to caring for these children. Despite the heavy rain, the children turned out in large numbers, demonstrating the hospital’s and local authorities’ highly organized and professional efforts. We hope that in the future, we will have many more opportunities to come together and spread love like this.”

Representatives from the sponsoring organizations posed for a photo with the organizing committee and local authorities.

At the conclusion of the program, representatives from the Củ Chi District People’s Committee respectfully presented letters of appreciation to the organizations and individuals who supported the medical examination and gift-giving program for underprivileged children. These included: the Technical Operations and Offline Services Division, the Cybersecurity Division, and the High-Tech Crime Prevention Division of the Can Tho City Police Department; the medical staff of Children’s Hospital No. 1; and the businesses, sponsors, and benefactors who provided enthusiastic support.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang—Vice Chairwoman of the Cu Chi District People’s Committee (third from the left)—presented a letter of appreciation to: Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoang Phuong, M.A.—Deputy Chief of the Department—and the staff of the Department of Cybersecurity and Prevention of High-Tech Crime of the Can Tho City Police Department.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang—Vice Chairwoman of the Cu Chi District People’s Committee—presented a letter of appreciation to the medical staff.

The organizing committee also expressed its deep gratitude to the sponsors who helped make the program possible, including: Hiep Bach Nien Pharmaceutical Company, Mr. Vui Handbag Company, the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Equipment Association, Life Gift Vietnam Company, Vietpack Co., Ltd., the relevant departments of the Can Tho City Police, and various generous donors.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang—Vice Chairwoman of the Cu Chi District People’s Committee—presented a letter of appreciation to the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Equipment Association and the sponsoring companies.

The trip not only provided practical medical and educational support to children in need but also fostered a spirit of sharing and community connection—a humanitarian journey that deserves to be continued and shared with others.

To conclude the program, the volunteer group had the opportunity to tour the Bến Đình Tunnel and enjoy the play “Land of Steel”—as a heartfelt tribute to this region rich in revolutionary tradition.