Free meals - A 'cure' from the heart.

There are "remedies" not found in doctors' prescriptions or treatment protocols, yet capable of healing – these are the free meals provided daily at many hospitals in Thai Nguyen province. Not only do these meals alleviate the financial burden on patients, but they also instill hope and boost morale, helping them continue to fight their illnesses.

Ms. Dinh Thi Ai and her granddaughter enjoying a free meal.

At 11 a.m., the corridors of the inpatient ward at Thai Nguyen International Hospital become busier as free meals are delivered to each patient's room.

In the small room, Mrs. Dinh Thi Ai received a hot meal and shared: "My granddaughter has otitis media and has been hospitalized for 5 days. The hospital has many expenses for the family. Luckily, we have meals like these; they're less expensive, clean, and my granddaughter enjoys eating them more."

The meal for the grandmother and granddaughter was simple: just white rice, a bowl of vegetable soup, a main dish, and some fruit for dessert. But for patients and their families who are struggling financially and far from home, it's not just a meal; it's an act of sharing. More importantly, it provides a feeling of being cared for, a factor that contributes significantly to the patient's recovery.

Few people know that preparing those seemingly simple meals involves a meticulous process, full of responsibility and love. At the charitable kitchens in hospitals, every step is carried out carefully, from selecting ingredients, preparing and cooking them, to portioning and distributing them directly to the patients.

The vegetables are carefully selected and thoroughly washed. The meat and fish are guaranteed to be of clear origin. Not only is food safety and hygiene ensured, but the meals are also calculated to provide sufficient energy to support the recovery of patients.

"We always strive to ensure that each meal is not only clean but also nutritious. When patients can eat well and enjoy their meals, their health improves faster," shared Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang, a nutritionist at Thai Nguyen International Hospital.

Every day, the kitchen at Thai Nguyen International Hospital provides approximately 500 meals for the hospital's staff and inpatients. Many of these meals are provided free of charge.

"Some patients are initially very tired and have a poor appetite. But with support and care, they gradually improve. They can eat, sleep, and their spirits improve – that's a very positive sign," shared Mr. Phan Bá Đào, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen International Hospital.

For many years, Thai Nguyen Central Hospital has been donating thousands of meals each month to poor and disadvantaged patients.

Not just a few isolated models, in Thai Nguyen, the activity of providing free meals to disadvantaged patients is gradually being expanded throughout the healthcare system. Many medical facilities in the area have proactively implemented charitable kitchens, connecting with philanthropists to maintain resources.

Maintaining free meals not only provides immediate support but also contributes to building a friendly and humane image for the healthcare sector. This is also one of the approaches to improving the overall quality of care for patients, not only in terms of medical expertise but also in terms of their living conditions and mental well-being.

During the course of overcoming illness, perhaps it is these simple things – a warm meal, a compassionate glance, a helping hand – that are precious "medicines," giving patients more faith to keep going.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/net-dep-doi-thuong/202604/bua-an-mien-phi-lieu-thuoc-tu-tam-long-f952cb5/