For over 15 years, the Da Nang Association for Supporting Poor and Disadvantaged Women and Children has been making ceaseless efforts to help poor children diagnosed with heart problems.

Local doctors giving free screening tests for preschool pupils for the early detection of congenital heart complaints

In particular, a total of around 40 billion VND has been raised by the Association to fund surgery for 910 poor children with heart congenital failure.

Amongst them is Phan Van Ph, born in 2017, residing in Son Tra District’s Man Thai Ward.

When being only 3 months old, Ph was rushed to the Da Nang General Hospital in serious condition. With the help of an ultrasound scan, doctors detected that the baby had ventricular septal defect and coarctation of the aorta. Therefore, the baby was forced to undergo life-saving surgery worth 30 million VND.

Mr Phan Van Hung, the baby’s father, said that his family was very poor. His oldest son was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2008, so his family had to sell of their property to cover the cost of his son’s medical treatment. Currently, his family is owing the bank 200 million VND. Due to their difficult situation, Ph's family could not afford to pay for his operation.

Fortunately, the Association and the VinaCapital Foundation gave 9 and 10 million VND respectively to Ph’s family. In addition, the remaining 11 million VND was donated by domestic generous donors. Thanks to this, Ph’s life was saved.

Like Ph, the Association has helped to bring happiness and life-changing opportunities to Nguyen Thanh Kh. from Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, and Pham Ngoc Thanh L. from Son Tra District, both aged 9, when having covered all the surgical costs for them.

Amongst the beneficiaries, many of them have graduated from universities and colleges nationwide, got married, and had children.  

Mr Huynh Van Hoa, Chairman of the Association, remarked in addition to giving free surgery to poor heart-problem children, his organisation has provided free screening tests for poor local people, aged between 0 and 20, for the early detection of congenital heart complaints.

Mr Tran Viet Dung, Vice Chairman of the municipal Fatherland Front Committee, highly appreciated the Association for its active involvement in encouraging locals, organisations and agencies to do humanitarian activities, as well as in helping the city fulfil its targets for ensuring social welfare.