Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has used VND10 million (USD476) from his own salary to support Vietnamese veteran, Phan Huu Duoc, had been believed to be dead for 40 years, but suddenly reappeared in his hometown.

Mr. Duoc is receiving the gift offered by the city’s military command 

The PM said that it was a show of gratitude to the great sacrifices such heroes have made to the nation.

After some articles published in DTiNews, Duoc received warm wishes and donations from both readers and other officials.

Duoc’s nephew Phan Huu Loi, said, “We are so happy for the care shown by the prime minister. I never thought that he would personally care about a normal citizen like my uncle. It's a great honour to the whole family."

On June 25, Nguyen Van Thanh, Party Secretary and Chairman of Haiphong City People’s Council also went to Tien Minh Commune to visit Mr. Duoc. He relayed the PM’s encouragement and presented the gift to Mr. Duoc.

Mr. Thanh and other staff members from the council offered Mr. Duoc gifts to help him reestablish his life. He has also encouraged local authorities to give the veteran special care.

To date, Mr. Duoc has received a total of VND70 million (USD3,300) in donations from officials and readers.

Not out of the woods

On June 24, local authorities took Duoc to Haiphong Medical University Hospital for a comprehensive medical check-up where he was diagnosed with a number of diseases, including a liver tumour, condyle, hepatitis C and gall-stones.

Mr. Duoc was diagnosed with a number of diseases

Associate Professor, Phan Van Lieu, the hospital's director, said his condition is very complicated. The top doctors of the hospital are consulting on the best treatment options.

Fees for the medical check-up and treatment will be paid by the district People’s Committee.