On July 15, Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, visited war veteran Phan Huu Duoc and gave him a savings book worth VND50 million (USD2,380).

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen encourages the veteran

Mr. Duoc was believed to have been dead for 40 years, but he suddenly reappeared in his hometown. Since then he has received widespread support from agencies and from the community. He is now at Viet Duc Hospital for treatment after recent liver and gall-bladder surgery.

The Minister’s delegation also included Editor-in-chief of Dantri/DTiNews, Pham Huy Hoan; the Hospital Director, Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Quyet and Nguyen Nhu Hai, Deputy Director of the Military Insurance Company (MIC).

Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Quyet said the veteran’s condition has improved markedly since the operation.

Editor-in-chief of Dantri/DTiNews Pham Huy Hoan (left) grants the VND127.13-million donation for Mr. Duoc 

On this occasion, Editor-in-chief of Dantri/DTiNews Pham Huy Hoan presented Mr. Duoc with VND127.13 million (USD6,000) donated by the newspaper’s readers. He also received a VND10 million (USD476) gift from MIC.

Minister Pham Thi Hai Chuyen has urged Chairman of the Haiphong People’s Committee to complete procedures so that Mr. Duoc is offered the same policies that are available to all war veterans.

The veteran felt moved by the support, but he could not sit up in order to hold hands to express his thanks to the guests.

Earlier, the Minister of Health, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, instructed Viet Duc Hospital to provide free medical services to  Mr. Duoc. Many agencies and individuals also supported him; in particular, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung used VND10 million from his own salary to assist Mr. Duoc.