Some 124 children suffering from congenital heart defects in the central province of Phu Yen will receive free surgeries, each worth over 50 million VND, this summer.

The children were selected from 379 child heart patients under the age of 16 through checks-up jointly carried out by Phu Yen Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs and Tam Duc hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on April 10 and 11.

The Swiss Children Action Organisation will fund the operations for 10 patients. The remaining will be sponsored by HCM City Poor Patient Sponsor Association.

In 2009, 49 disadvantaged children in Phu Yen province received free heart surgeries under the annual charitable programme, which started last year.