Journey to Bac Ai

From May 17 to 19, 2024, Lawrence S. Ting Foundation organized a free medical examination and medication distribution program in Bac Ai District, Ninh Thuan Province. This district is located about 300 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and is home to the Raglai ethnic group, whose primary livelihood is agriculture. During our survey, we found that Bac Ai is one of the economically disadvantaged areas in Vietnam. Many residents have never participated in regular health check-ups due to financial difficulties and limited access to medical services. Some only seek medical help when their health conditions have become severe. Recognizing these challenges, Lawrence S. Ting Foundation aimed to support the local community by providing healthcare services through the Outreach Service program.

Free Medical Services in Ninh Thuan

As part of the Outreach Services project, from May 17 to 19, the Lawrence S. Ting Foundation collaborated with Military Hospital 175 (Ministry of National Defense), Military Hospital 7A, and Saigon – Tan Thuan Polyclinic to organize a free medical examination and medication distribution program for residents in Phuoc Tan and Phuoc Chinh communes in Bac Ai District, Ninh Thuan Province.

With the participation of 23 doctors and 25 volunteers, the program successfully provided health check-ups and meaningful gifts to:

– 190 households in Phuoc Tan

– 189 households in Phuoc Chinh

The program not only delivered essential medical services but also served as a bridge for residents to access health knowledge through helpful materials and advice from the doctors. These simple yet heartwarming moments created beautiful memories in the hearts of all of us.

Joy Amidst Challenges

Despite the scorching heat, the local residents patiently waited for their turn to be examined. Both the volunteers and the medical team dedicated themselves to guiding and caring for the community. During the check-ups, the residents not only received health assessments but also practical advice on self-care. The smiles and words of gratitude from the people were the most valuable rewards for us, making every effort on this journey worthwhile.

Gifts of Love

In addition to the medical services, the program also received a generous donation of 200 pairs of shoes for underprivileged children from Biti’s. These shoes are not just small gifts for the children to wear to school; they also serve as a source of motivation for them to engage in play and learning activities. When the children received their new shoes, their bright faces and eyes filled with happiness made all the exhaustion of our volunteer team fade away.

We hope to continue bringing love and care to areas still facing many challenges in the future. These moments of joy and sharing will always inspire us to embark on more meaningful journeys.