That is the result of the 4th completely free screening round this year conducted by Center Two in coordination with the Department of Health and Lao Cai Provincial General Hospital in the locality from March 23-28, 2025, following Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Yen Bai provinces, with support mainly from the Thien Tam Fund of Vingroup Corporation.
During this trip, the delegation conducted screening for 6 types of malformations in children under 16 years old in all 8 districts and towns of Lao Cai province, namely Bao Thang, Bac Ha, Si Mai Cai, Muong Khuong, Lao Cai City, Bao Yen, Van Ban, Sa Pa and Bat Xat. Among them are localities that suffered heavy infrastructure damage from Typhoon Yagi last year and to this day still face great difficulties in transportation, such as Si Ma Cai district; Van Ban and Bac Ha districts have the highest poverty rates in the province, where not only adults but also children not only face illness and malformations but also suffer from deprivation in all aspects - from health care conditions, medical support to opportunities to access essential services.
 |
| Doctor examines leg deformity - a congenital deformity that makes it extremely difficult for the girl to walk and do daily activities (Photo: Center Two). |
 |
Doctor examines a girl for spinal deformities (Photo: Center Two).
|
 |
| Doctor examines burn sequelae of a boy (Photo: Center Two). |
Among 162 children who were referred for surgery, one was a severe case that required referral and 24 others required specialist consultation. In addition, 11 other disabled children were provided with orthopedic kits.
The surgeries will be performed on June 15-20 this year at the Provincial General Hospital, with the participation and support of doctors from the central hospital. All children assigned to surgery will be exempted from all medication and hospitalization costs, and will also receive food support during their treatment days. Their families will also receive support for travel expenses. Children transferred to Hanoi for treatment and their families will also receive similar support benefits.
It is known that right after finishing the working trip in Lao Cai, the Center Two staff went to Ha Giang province, where many disabled children are hoping to be screened, prescribed surgery or provided with orthopedic devices to have the opportunity to change their lives - regain their eyesight, smile, face, gait,... like normal friends. Medical experts and local medical staff also hope to have the opportunity to be trained, fostered in screening, identifying abnormalities and improving their surgical skills.
Binh Nguyen