The border post’s medical room is modest, tucked inside a single storey building. Medicine cabinets are neatly arranged, and worn health record books bear the marks of years of use. Early in the morning, several elderly residents arrive. Some have walked more than a kilometre from their villages. They know that here, someone will listen carefully to their heartbeat with a cool stethoscope and patiently explain each prescription in a slow, gentle and easy-to-understand voice.

Lường Văn Sang, from Co Đứa village, Mường Nhà commune, is over 70. Once a month, he visits the post to have his blood pressure checked and receive medication. “My family lives in Co Đứa village. Because of my age, I’m often unwell. Every month, the medical staff of the Huổi Puốc Border Gate Border Post examine me, provide medicine and guide us on how to take care of our health,” he said calmly, his eyes reflecting deep trust.

Major Nguyễn Chí Ninh, a military medic at the Huổi Puốc Border Gate Border Post, has worked in the area for many years. He knows the name of every village, remembers the medical history of many elderly residents and understands local customs. On scorching afternoons, he and his colleagues carry medical kits to villages to vaccinate children. On rainy days, he wades through mud to reach people’s homes, clean wounds, change bandages and remind families about hygiene.

According to Major Nguyễn Chí Ninh, unit medics have worked closely with local health stations in community health programs, including expanded immunization, maternal and child healthcare, and public awareness campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, proper sanitation and the elimination of outdated practices.

For border guard medics, their work goes far beyond the four walls of a clinic. It stretches along remote border roads, into individual households, village meetings and public outreach sessions.

In remote border areas, whenever a serious illness occurs, local people often turn first to the soldiers for help. At night, during emergency calls, flashlight beams follow hurried footsteps through darkness. A border medic is both a doctor and a soldier, ready to respond at any hour, regardless of harsh weather or difficult terrain.

In Mường Lói, a small scene remains vivid. A frightened child, afraid of injections, hides behind her mother. The medic crouches down, talks softly and hands her a small candy before the shot. The needle is quick. A steady hand supports the tiny arm. The child stops crying, and her mother nods quietly in gratitude. Such gentle moments help bring the image of soldiers closer to the people.

Meanwhile, the D40 Military Medical Clinic under the Military Command of Điện Biên province serves as a key healthcare hub for armed forces personnel in the province. The clinic buildings are clean and well maintained, shaded by rows of green trees. Inside, departments operate smoothly, from outpatient services and laboratory testing to inpatient treatment.

In 2025, the clinic conducted 420 medical consultations and treatments, including 289 outpatient cases and 131 inpatient admissions. Beyond routine duties, the unit also organized free medical check-ups, health consultations, medicine distribution and gift support for 312 residents affected by floods in Xa Dung and Tìa Dình communes, contributing to healthcare services in areas facing significant hardship.

Major Nguyễn Anh Đức, head of the D40 Military Medical Clinic, said that all staff members remain dedicated and professional, and regularly attend further training to improve their expertise and meet mission requirements. The clinic is also ready to respond to emergency assignments during floods, natural disasters and relief operations.

Điện Biên is frequently affected by heavy rains, floods and landslides. Whenever disasters strike, military medical teams deploy alongside other units in rescue and relief missions. The image of “soldier doctors” carrying medical kits and stretchers through muddy terrain to reach isolated areas has become familiar.

Compared with urban hospitals, working conditions for military medics in mountainous and border areas remain challenging. Equipment is sometimes limited, transport is difficult and the weather is harsh. Yet it is precisely under such conditions that professional commitment is forged day by day. They understand that every clinical decision and every precise medical action directly affects patients’ health, and often their lives. Despite the constraints, military medical personnel continue to provide devoted care for officers, soldiers and local residents in their assigned areas.

Two uniforms on their shoulders. When wearing white coats, they focus on heartbeats, lungs and the health concerns of local people. When in military uniform, they train and remain ready for any mission. Compassion and discipline go hand in hand, shaping the distinctive character of military doctors.