Volunteer military doctors in Africa: Full of humanity and international responsibility

Warmth of profession in field hospital

In September 2024, Captain, Doctor Phung Cong Manh, Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Military Hospital 110, set off for South Sudan in the formation of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6. It is a land hot with sun, unstable with conflict and lacking in all aspects, but right in that seemingly harshest place, the spirit of the doctors of the Vietnam People's Army is lit up more than ever.

Doctor Phung Cong Manh with South Sudanese children. (Photo: NVCC).

Dr. Manh recalls that the Field Hospital where he worked had only about 20 beds but was responsible for receiving and providing health care for nearly 3,000 United Nations staff and forces from many countries. The physical conditions were limited, the equipment was simple, the operating room was built from a container in the smartcamp area (smart camp), but those difficulties never discouraged the young doctor.

One of the cases that Dr. Manh will always remember is the complicated trauma of a Pakistani patient. His finger was almost severed, the bone was broken. The surgery took place in the golden time - the second hour after the injury and the Vietnamese surgical team had to handle every detail precisely to preserve maximum motor function. Four days after the surgery, the patient's finger was rosy again, feeling good, and movement recovered. "The smile of the Pakistani man when the wound gradually healed reminded me that no matter where I am, the responsibility of a doctor is always to bring life and faith" - Dr. Manh recalled.

Because the conditions of the Field Hospital are still very limited, Dr. Manh and his teammates always try to overcome difficulties, make the most of their knowledge and professional experience to bring the best possible treatment quality, ensuring that each patient is cared for with the highest sense of responsibility. For him, promoting expertise is also contributing to building the image of the country and people of Vietnam as peace- loving in the eyes of international friends.

At Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6, in addition to performing emergency surgery, Dr. Manh also participates in treating cases of clavicle fractures and radius fractures - cases that often require referral. The operating room is simple but still operates smoothly, receiving cases of appendectomy, inguinal hernia or minor surgery.

In his spare time, Dr. Manh also actively participates in mass mobilization work. Going to schools where students study in mud classrooms lacking desks, chairs, books and light, he and his teammates examine and treat people living in refugee camps, promote disease prevention and provide counseling in community campaigns.

Image of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of international friends

Taking on the mission in Abyei - a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, Dr. Ngo Binh Minh faced other challenges. Belonging to the Department of Cardiology - Respiratory, Military Hospital 110, in Abyei, Dr. Minh took on the role of Deputy Director of the Level 1 Field Hospital, taking care of the health of the Vietnamese Engineering Team.

The place they came to had only sun, wind, war and poverty, but with dedication and compassion, two young doctors from Military Hospital 110, together with their teammates and colleagues, took care of health, saved lives of patients in deprived conditions, and at the same time spread disease prevention knowledge to the community and brought smiles to children.

According to Dr. Minh, there are only two seasons here: the rainy season and the dry season. The prolonged rainy season causes the roads to be plowed up, and engineering vehicles often get stuck in the mud. After the rainy season, the soldiers start repairing roads, building bridges, and setting up barracks…

Just a week after arriving in Abyei, Dr. Ngo Binh Minh experienced what he called an “unforgettable” experience. While unloading a container, the engineering team accidentally broke a beehive. Hundreds of bees attacked, stinging about 20 people, two of whom suffered grade 3 anaphylaxis – a very dangerous medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Upon hearing the news that the two patients were having difficulty breathing, had a rapid pulse, and had low blood pressure, Dr. Minh and the emergency team rushed from the hospital to the scene and administered adrenaline injections on the spot. Emergency conditions on the spot were extremely difficult, while Dr. Minh himself was stung by a bee while carrying the patients back to the hospital. However, with the calmness of the experienced doctors, the two patients overcame the critical condition and were transferred to the level 2 field hospital for monitoring.

In addition to his professional duties, Dr. Minh and the engineering force also carry out many community activities: examining patients at the local hospital in Abyei, distributing medicine, giving clean water to people in difficult areas, and making desks and chairs for children.

After completing their one-year term in Abyei and South Sudan, two young doctors Ngo Binh Minh and Phung Cong Manh have just returned to their daily lives and the work they have been doing for many years at Military Hospital 110. Although their time participating in the UN peacekeeping force was not too long, they have contributed to leaving a deep impression on the image of the country and people of Vietnam. Each person was assigned a different task, but they shared a steadfast determination: to keep the oath of a doctor and the beautiful image of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of international friends.

The place they came to was only sun, wind, war and poverty, but with dedication and compassion, two young doctors from Military Hospital 110 together with their teammates and colleagues took care of health, saved lives of patients in deprived conditions, and at the same time spread disease prevention knowledge to the community and brought smiles to children. These contributions are contributing to affirming Vietnam's military medical capacity in the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Hue Nguyen

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-si-quan-y-tinh-nguyen-tai-chau-phi-dam-tinh-nguoi-va-trach-nhiem-quoc-te-postid432522.bbg