Khanh Hoa people always grateful to Doctor Alexandre Yersin for his merits

Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa people have always been grateful to Doctor Alexandre Yersin for the past 132 years. Nha Trang people affectionately called him “ong Nam” (Mr. Fifth) and have worshipped him after he passed away. Every year, on the occasion of his birth and death anniversaries, the local people organize solemn ceremonies to express their gratitude to the doctor for his merits.

Settling in Nha Trang City

Doctor Alexandre Yersin was born in Lavaux, Switzerland in September 22, 1863. He spent 52 years living in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. He developed a strong attachment to local people, especially the poor ones. He made great contributions and dedication to science, mankind in general and Vietnam in particular. He discovered the plague bacillus and contributed to the preparation and manufacture of anti-plague serum; planted industrial and medicinal plants in Suoi Dau; explored Lang Biang Plateau (Lam Dong Province) and Hon Ba Mountain; and  was the founder of Pasteur Institute Nha Trang and the first director of Hanoi Medical University, etc.

Portrait of Doctor Alexandre Yersin (Documentary photo)

There is a strong attachment between Doctor A.Yersin and Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa people.  The doctor often stopped by Nha Trang City during his voyages as he worked as a doctor on a ship travelling on Saigon-Hai Phong line. Captivated by the natural landscape and climate of this land, afterwards, Doctor A.Yersin decided to settle in Xom Con, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa and open a clinic to treat local people.

Doctor A.Yersin’s simple living, deep humanity and love for local people are widely acknowledged in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. He examined and treated poor people for free. Before setting sail for fishing trips, the fishermen in Nha Trang often consulted the doctor about weather. The children in Xom Con enjoyed visiting his house to watch TV and be given sweets. Doctor A.Yersin considered Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa as his second homeland, and local people have also respected and appreciated him. His was buried in Suoi Dau, Khanh Hoa as he wished. 

Always remembered with gratitude

The 160th birth anniversary of Doctor A.Yersin marks 10 years since the Doctor was posthumously honored as Honorary Citizen of Vietnam by the Prime Minister. "Doctor A. Yersin was the first foreigner who chose to live in the poor land of Con Xom, Nha Trang. He was also the first and only foreigner to be worshiped in a temple after passing away by the people of Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa and recognized as a famous historical figure of Vietnam and an Honorary Citizen of Vietnam. These are to appreciate Dr. A.Yersin's unconditional love for the land and people of Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa," said late poet Giang Nam.

Lines of people offering incense and flowers at the statue of Dr. A.Yersin in Nha Trang

Generations of Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa people have shown their respect and gratitude to the French doctor of Swiss origin, who had a strong attachment to the local people. Many constructions relating to Dr. A. Yersin in Khanh Hoa, such as the library at Pasteur Institute Nha Trang and the monuments in Suoi Cat Commune (Linh Son Pagoda, his working house on Hon Ba Mountain, his grave) have been carefully maintained. Many schools, streets, parks, and hospitals in the province were named after him. 

Khanh Hoa Province Association of Admirers of Dr. Alexandre Yersin have organized many activities  to honor and spread the spirit of the doctor, such as giving free medical examination, treatment and medicine to poor people; organizing volunteer campaigns to help people with disadvantages; and offering scholarships to disadvantaged children.

Dong Luong Son, chairman of Khanh Hoa Province Association of Admirers of Dr. Alexandre Yersin, expresses his happiness seeing that the activities to pay tribute to Dr. A.Yersin are becoming more and more practical and effective. The association hope that the construction project of new A.Yersin Museum will be implemented soon and that the doctor’s working house on Hon Ba Mountain will be open for visit again soon. 

 Giang Đinh
Translated by H.N