More than VND 19 billion was raised at a ceremony in Hanoi, on September 21, to mark the fifth launch of “Trai Tim Cho Em” (Free Operation for Healthy Heart) programme, in support of poor children with heart disease.

A doctor from Viet Duc Hospital in Hanoi checked the heart of a small baby during his trip to Tuyen Quang Province earlier this year. Photo by VTV.

The ceremony welcomed Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan, senior officials and representatives from ministries, agencies, and a large number of philanthropists from across the country.

Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan praised the generous and valuable contributions made by organisations and individuals to enable patients improve their health.

She asked the Health Ministry to promote scientific research and cooperate effectively with international organisations and relevant agencies to provide better medical screenings and healthcare services to Vietnamese people with heart disease.

At the event, the Prime Minister presented certificates of merit to VTV and Viettel in recognition of their huge contributions to charity work.

Seven hospitals and 11 doctors were also honoured for their significant contributions to providing free operations to patients with heart conditions.

Over the past five years, nearly VND90 billion has been raised to support approximately 2,000 pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases.