Mobile healthcare for flood-affected communities

The recent floods have severely impacted the health of residents in affected areas. In response, medical staff from several hospitals have swiftly deployed mobile teams to provide free health examinations and distribute essential medication.

Timely healthcare for flood-hit areas

In recent days, several free healthcare initiatives have been launched in Tay Nha Trang Ward to support flood-affected residents. At Vinh Hiep and Ngoc Hiep Health Stations, a team of young doctors from Khanh Hoa General Hospital provided free medical examinations and distributed medicines to nearly 1,000 people in severely flooded areas, with a focus on treating high blood pressure, colds, respiratory infections and skin conditions.

Medical staff at Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital conduct initial health checks for residents.

Additionally, the Provincial Children's Cultural Center, in collaboration with Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital, carried out the “Accompanying Community Healthcare” program. This effort offered free medical check-ups to around 500 residents and donated 450 family medicine kits to households in the flood-hit areas.

At Vinh Hiep Health Station, Dong Van Thanh, from Tay Nha Trang Ward, said that the recent floods had submerged his house to a depth of more than 1.5 meters. When the water receded, he faced the arduous task of cleaning his home. Afterward, he experienced coughing, nasal congestion and fatigue. “Besides coughing, nasal congestion and fatigue, my hands and feet are very itchy. I hope the doctors will examine me and prescribe medicine to cure my illness,” Thanh said. Meanwhile, Huynh Thi Hong, who came for a medical check-up at the Provincial Children's Cultural Palace, said, “After the floods, I couldn't sleep at night. The doctors were dedicated, thorough. I was even given a family medicine kit containing various medications for some common ailments.”

Doctors at Khanh Hoa General Hospital examine children.

For the community’s sake

The swift intervention of medical staff from several hospitals has helped people access local healthcare services and receive healthcare after the days of heavy rain and flooding. Le Lam Quan, Specialist I and Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Khanh Hoa General Hospital, said, "31 medical staff from the hospital participated in the program to provide free medical examinations and medication to the people. Through the examinations, we observed that the majority of people suffered from respiratory, digestive and dermatological diseases. This was due to prolonged exposure to polluted water and environments. In addition, many people with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes also came for examination. For patients with chronic diseases whose treatment was disrupted by the floods, we provided examinations, medication, and guidance to medical facilities for follow-up check‑ups.”

According to Phan Quoc Dung, Director of Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital, after the floods, the hospital coordinated with Tay Nha Trang ward to organize two healthcare trips to severely flooded areas, benefiting a total of over 1,000 people. In addition to medical examinations, the hospital also donated 1,350 family medicine kits to residents and the local community. Each healthcare trip involved approximately 65 doctors and medical staff. “After the floods, the demand for health check-ups was very high. We made the ultrasound and electrocardiogram service available for more comprehensive health checks. We hope that more medical facilities will join hands with local authorities to continue implementing this program to help people in areas severely affected by floods receive healthcare,” said Dr. Phan Quoc Dung.

After a natural disaster, when people are struggling with many difficulties, the timely support of medical staff is very meaningful, contributing to protecting public health, enabling residents to recover from the damage and restore stability to their lives more quickly.

A doctor at Khanh Hoa General Hospital gives medication use instructions.

C.D

Translated by N.T