The Da Nang Hospital on Tuesday held an inauguration ceremony for the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system supported by the “Heart for Heart - Foundation for Life!” of Germany. At the same time, the city expressed gratitude for the outstanding contributions made by Prof. Erich Lejeune and Dr Irène Lejeune the professional development of the Da Nang health sector.

Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang (first, right) and Vice Chairman of the Da Nàn People's Committee Le Quang Nam (first, left) presente the ‘Dedication to Da Nang’ Award to Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune, March 18, 2025. Photo: LE HUNG

In attendance at the event were Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang and other city leaders.

The “Heart for Heart – Foundation for Life!” was founded in 2003 by Munich-based entrepreneurial couple, Prof. Erich Lejeune and Dr Irène Lejeune. The Foundation is a non-profit organisation governed by civil law with head office in Munich. The Foundation receives support from companies, institutions and private individuals. The Foundation facilitates cardiac operations, heart surgery and diagnostic procedures in patients, especially children, from poor regions of the world.

The Foundation has continuously supported the Da Nang health sector in implementing a congenital heart intervention programme with more than 3,000 children successfully treated up to now.

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided Da Nang Hospital with many modern equipment worth millions of USD; at the same time, it has supported the training of specialized human resources in cardiovascular intervention by sending many leading German cardiovascular experts to transfer cardiovascular intervention techniques for congenital heart disease to serve the examination and screening of cardiovascular diseases for the people of Da Nang and the central region as a whole.

These cited contributions not only help solve urgent medical problems but also lay the foundation for sustainable development, bringing changes to thousands of patients, and actively contributing to the overall development of Da Nang.

Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune and his wife donate the DSA system to the Da Nang Hospital. Photo: LE HUNG

In particular, in 2024, the Foundation provided non-refundable aid to the Da Nang General Hospital with a DSA system and auxiliary equipment with a total value of more than VND 27 billion.

This is the third DSA system that Mr. and Mrs. Lejeune and the Foundation have donated to the Da Nang Hospital, contributing to improving the quality of cardiovascular health care for people in the area and demonstrating the profound humanitarian spirit and meaningful attachment between Mr. and Mrs. Lejeune to the people of Da Nang.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam said that the new DSA system at Da Nang Hospital - a project of special significance in improving the quality of medical examination and treatment, especially in the field of cardiovascular disease.

This is not only a joy for the health sector but also a testament to the deep concern expressed by the city’s authorities, the community, especially the kind-hearted people for the sick. The operation of the modern DSA system will help improve the quality of treatment, open up many opportunities to save the lives of patients with complex cardiovascular diseases, thereby contributing to improving the quality of life of the people.

The Da Nang leaders, Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune and his wife, along with delegates, performe the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the DSA system. Photo: LE HUNG

“On behalf of the city leaders, I would like to congratulate the Da Nang Hospital team and express my deep gratitude to Prof. Erich Lejeune, Dr Irène Lejeune and the “Heart for Heart - Foundation for Life!”. Over the past two decades, they have not only contributed advanced medical equipment but also provided enthusiastic companionship and sharing. This valuable support has helped thousands of patients have the opportunity to be diagnosed and treated promptly, thereby regaining health and happiness for their families. In particular, this new DSA system will create conditions for the hospital to deploy many specialized techniques, access modern treatment methods, contributing to enhancing the position of the Da Nang healthcare in the region and the whole country”, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam emphasised.

According to the Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, the Da Nang Hospital is not only the city’s key medical facility but also one of the leading hospitals in the central Viet Nam - Central Highlands regions.

The Da Nang leaders and Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune and delegates visite the DSA system. Photo: LE HUNG

With the attention and investment from the city and the support of dedicated organisations and individuals such as Prof. Erich Lejeune, Dr Irène Lejeune and the “Heart for Heart - Foundation for Life!”, the Da Nang Hospital will develop more and more strongly, becoming a high-quality medical centre, meeting the increasing health care needs of the people.

On this occasion, the Standing Committee of the Da Nang Party Committee and the Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee awarded the ‘Dedication to Da Nang’ accolade to Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune, marking the first time this prestigious honour has been bestowed by the city authorities. This is the city's most prestigious award for individuals with outstanding achievements and special contributions to the cause of developing the city.

Mr. Erich Johann Lejeune’s valuable contributions have brought good results in general health care and improved the quality of life of thousands of cardiovascular patients in Da Nang and other cities and provinces in Central Viet Nam.

Doctors perform intervention at the DSA room. Photo: LE HUNG

Reporting by LE HUNG - Translating by A.THU