A heartfelt gift of solidarity

Established in 2006, Mường Ảng is a mountainous district facing many socioeconomic challenges. One of its most pressing difficulties has been the lack of proper healthcare infrastructure, which has long hindered the delivery of essential medical services to the local population.

Understanding these hardships, and with the spirit of “The whole country for Điện Biên, and Điện Biên for the whole country,” Hồ Chí Minh City provided nearly VND 95 billion in support to construct the Mường Ảng District General Hospital. The project was implemented in two phases: Phase 1 (2014–2016) with VND 30 billion, and Phase 2 (2016–2018) with VND 64.4 billion.

On March 11, 2014, in the presence of local officials and residents, the groundbreaking ceremony of the hospital’s first phase marked a significant turning point for the district’s healthcare system.

Đinh Văn Sơn, Acting Chairman of the Mường Ảng district People's Committee, shared that the construction of the new hospital was a long-held dream for the local people. More than just material support, he emphasized that this project reflects the heartfelt concern of Hồ Chí Minh City for the ethnic communities in Điện Biên in general and Mường Ảng in particular.

After two years of construction, a fully functional hospital emerged, including inpatient and outpatient departments, diagnostic imaging, laboratories, emergency and surgical units, and administrative offices. On May 6, 2016, the hospital was officially handed over and put into operation, ushering in a new era of improved healthcare services in the region.

A symbol of hope and healing

Built on a 10,000-square-meter site with nearly 150 beds, and supported by state investment, Hồ Chí Minh City, and other social contributions, the Mường Ảng district General Hospital now boasts a modern and comprehensive infrastructure. Advanced medical equipment has been installed, including 5D color ultrasound machines, elastography ultrasound, automated X-ray systems, biochemical and immunological analyzers, ventilators, high-frequency chest wall oscillation systems, 26-parameter hematology analyzers, and modern CT scanners.

Beyond infrastructure, Hồ Chí Minh City has also sent expert doctors to train and transfer advanced medical techniques to the hospital staff. As a result, the local medical team has gradually mastered complex procedures such as emergency surgery for liver and spleen ruptures, gastric perforation repairs, abdominal trauma treatment, and various tumor and urinary tract operations. Specialized techniques in ENT, dental, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and traditional medicine have also been implemented, significantly improving healthcare quality.

Thanks to this timely and effective support, hospital staff now work in a professional, modern environment. Each doctor and nurse are more aware of their responsibility to improve their skills and uphold medical ethics to better serve the community.

Nguyễn Thị Mến, Head of the hospital’s Pediatrics Faculty, shared that her department has successfully diagnosed and treated various conditions in newborns and infants. The neonatal unit works closely with the Obstetrics-Surgery Faculty to detect and treat abnormalities early. They have also implemented phototherapy for jaundice, care for premature and low-birth-weight babies, and emergency response for infants with critical symptoms.

Nguyễn Ngọc Tân, Director of the Mường Ảng district Medical Center, noted that the new hospital marked a breakthrough in public healthcare. Previously, many severe cases had to be transferred to higher-level hospitals, but now they can be treated locally, reducing costs, time, and travel hardships, especially for those from remote villages.

He affirmed that the Mường Ảng district General Hospital stands as a vivid testament to the spirit of great national unity and the collective effort to ensure that no one is left behind on the path toward sustainable development.

During this historic April, as the entire nation celebrates the reunification of Vietnam, the modern hospital nestled in the Mường Khoe valley shines not only as a beacon of medical care but also as a symbol of unity. It represents not just geographic connection, but the heartfelt bond among millions of Vietnamese from North to South. From this place, the journey toward a better future continues, built on the dedication, compassion, and wisdom of medical professionals committed to the health and well-being of the people.