Clinic provides free medical care to the poor for 32 years in Vietnam

Situated on Sinh Trung Street in Nha Trang City, the clinic is bustling with patients who receive free medical consultations and medications every Monday and Friday.

At 8:00 am, the clinic opens its doors to welcome patients. Dr. Ho Van Cong begins the day by preparing medical records for examinations.

For years, the clinic has operated with a four-person team: a doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist, and a staff member.

Together, they greet patients, conduct check-ups, provide consultations, and dispense medications -- all free of charge.

Dr. Cong, who has worked at the clinic for several years, said that most of the patients are elderly, poor, or laborers facing financial difficulties.

"Most of the patients are over 60 years old, with many more than 90 years old who have been regular visitors of the clinic for decades. Seeing the improvement in their health is the motivation that keeps us dedicated to this work," Dr. Cong shared.

Cong added that after working in the healthcare sector for over 40 years, he retired but was bedridden for two years due to a stroke.

Once his health improved, a colleague recommended him to work at the clinic. Although the position was unpaid, he felt it was a way to give back and help others, especially after recovering from a serious illness.

Patients at the clinic not only receive free treatment and medications but also have the opportunity to share their life struggles.

Dang Thi Bich Ha, a nurse at the clinic, said that during medical examinations, they not only inquire about the patients' conditions but also learn about their personal circumstances to offer the best help possible.

Over the course of its 32 years of operation, the A.Yersin clinic has served more than 1,000 patients annually. It has helped people in difficult circumstances remain hopeful in their battles against illness.

While waiting for her turn to receive medication, 74-year-old Tran Thi Thi from Vinh Hai Ward, Nha Trang City, said that she has been receiving heart disease treatment at the clinic for more than three years.

Living alone, Thi takes a motorcycle taxi every two weeks to the clinic to receive medicine.

"Since I started treatment here, my condition has improved a lot. The doctor and nurse are kind and caring, which makes me very happy," she said.

Nguyen Van Ngoc, 81, who rides his bicycle filled with scrap metal from his daily collection work, enters the clinic with dust and dirt on his face.

Ngoc frequently visits the clinic to treat his hypertension and joint problems.

"My condition is typical of old age, but I don't have money, so I come here for treatment. I'm fortunate that the doctors treat me with great care, and my condition has improved," Ngoc said.

Inspired by Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi The Tram, former director of the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang, and other founding members of the Association of Admirers of Dr. Yersin, the A. Yersin Clinic was granted an operating license by the Khanh Hoa Department of Health in 1993.

According to Dong Luong Son, president of the association, the clinic was founded to carry on the noble humanitarian legacy of Dr. Yersin.

"Thanks to the support of many philanthropists, charitable organizations, and medical professionals, the clinic has been able to sustain its operations and help those in need. We hope that the clinic will continue to grow to help even more people, spreading kindness throughout the community," Son said.