Here, doctors are unsung heroes, standing shoulder to shoulder with locals as they face tremendous challenges. Their contributions go beyond medical expertise - they embody compassion, perseverance, and an unwavering love for the community, fulfilling their sacred responsibility to the people.

Enhancing preventive healthcare capacity

Between 1993 and 2003, preventive healthcare faced numerous obstacles. At the time, Lai Châu Province had not yet been divided into Điện Biên and Lai Châu, and the administrative area spanned 17,000sq.km with underdeveloped infrastructure. Poor road conditions and limited transportation made it difficult for preventive healthcare teams to quickly reach outbreak areas or respond to public health emergencies, delaying efforts to control and contain the spread of diseases. In addition, communication networks were not widely available, especially in remote and mountainous regions, which made it challenging for grassroots health workers to access updated information on public health. Traditional practices among highland communities, such as a lack of sanitation facilities and access to clean water, also heightened the risk of disease outbreaks - posing significant challenges to preventive healthcare initiatives.

Despite these difficulties, medical staff working in preventive healthcare consistently overcame obstacles to be present on the front lines. One advantage during this period was the vertically integrated healthcare system, with grassroots health services reporting directly to a central authority, allowing for more efficient resource mobilization and professional instructions. This era also witnessed the rapid growth of national healthcare programs and targeted health initiatives, providing essential support in terms of funding, equipment, and technical expertise.

Thanks to years of relentless effort by healthcare professionals, the province’s preventive healthcare capacity has improved significantly, contributing to the protection and promotion of public health. Investments in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources have strengthened the system’s ability to monitor, detect, and control disease outbreaks more effectively. Comprehensive programs, including expanded immunization campaigns, infectious disease control, and food safety measures, have yielded positive results. As a result, the public health situation has improved, and outbreaks are now well-controlled.

Doctors devoted to patient care

The Điện Biên Provincial General Hospital now operates with 670 beds and employs over 500 staff members, including doctors and nurses. As a key healthcare institution, the hospital plays an essential role in providing medical care for residents across the province. Equipped with modern facilities and a highly skilled medical team, the hospital not only focuses on delivering treatment but also serves as a training hub for future healthcare professionals, contributing to the overall improvement of local healthcare quality.

In recent years, the hospital has consistently worked to ensure medical care for local communities. A core mission of the hospital is to maintain 24/7 emergency services, guaranteeing that every patient receives prompt diagnosis and treatment upon arrival. Additionally, the hospital places strong emphasis on staff development and scientific research. Doctors are actively encouraged to pursue higher education and continue honing their expertise.

Currently, the hospital has three doctors holding doctoral degrees, 13 specialists with Level II certification, and over 60 specialists with Level I certification or master’s degrees. Between 2023 and 2024, nine doctors were sent for Level II specialization training, while more than 30 doctors and nurses pursued Level I specialization or master’s programs, ensuring a highly qualified future workforce.

The hospital has successfully implemented advanced medical procedures, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with laser lithotripsy, endoscopic transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), intracranial hematoma evacuation surgery, percutaneous vertebroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and total knee or hip arthroplasty. These procedures are now routinely performed, allowing patients to access high-quality treatment locally without the need for referral to higher-level medical facilities.

The hospital also prioritizes supporting district-level healthcare centers to improve the overall quality of healthcare services. In addition to providing direct treatment, the hospital offers technical training and knowledge transfers to district-level health centers, including those in Mường Nhé, Nậm Pồ, and Mường Ảng Districts. This enables local healthcare providers to master advanced medical techniques, improving treatment quality at the grassroots level and reducing the need for patient transfers to distant facilities.

Following in the footsteps of the people’s doctors

As a pediatrician at the Nậm Pồ District’s Health Center, my primary responsibilities include diagnosing, treating, and offering health consultations for children and their families. Additionally, I manage the department’s staff to ensure efficient and effective operations. Inspired by the previous generations of devoted doctors, I strive to fulfill my duties with compassion and dedication, improving the quality of care for all patients.

In 2024, our team provided inpatient care for 1,450 cases, including 51 neonatal patients, with an average treatment duration of 6.3 days per case. Moreover, we actively participated in national health initiatives, providing Vitamin A supplements to 200 children and conducting 300 malaria screenings through blood smear tests. I also engage in scientific research to enhance treatment quality. Recently, I completed a study titled “Analysis of antibiotic use in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in the pediatric department in 2024”. This research was approved by the Scientific Research Council of the provincial General Hospital and recognized by the provincial Department of Health - an achievement that encourages me to continue learning and improving professionally.

Driven by a desire to contribute to public health, particularly for those in challenging circumstances, I actively participate in the Young Physicians’ Volunteer Program, offering free medical consultations, treatments, and medications to over 300 people in Hô He Village, Chà Tở Commune. I also organize health education programs on maternal and child healthcare and conduct screenings for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, offering free treatments for 150 patients in Lai Khoang Village, Nà Hỳ Commune.

In 2021, I was honored to receive the Outstanding Young Vietnamese Physician award. Since taking on the role of Head of the Pediatrics Department, my team has received commendations from the Department of Health for five consecutive years. These honors motivate me to continue following in the footsteps of the People’s Doctors - dedicating myself to the profession, continuously advancing my expertise, and upholding medical ethics. The medical profession is noble yet filled with challenges. Only through passion, dedication, and selfless service can we deliver the best care and bring meaningful change to our patients’ lives.