Fighting superstition: Don't wait until there is no more chance

Implementing the policies of the Party and the State, in recent years, the provincial Party Committee and government have paid attention to leading and directing the preservation and promotion of the fine traditional cultural identities of ethnic groups, exploiting ethnic cultural values ​​to serve socio-economic development, tourism, contributing to the successful implementation of socio-economic development goals and tasks, ensuring national defense and security, building the Party, and building the political system in the province. However, in many places in the province, there still exist customs and practices in the life, activities, production and beliefs of ethnic groups that are no longer suitable for the times but have become outdated customs and practices, some of which have even become obstacles to development and progress, causing the lives of ethnic groups to be slow to improve and develop.

In Sin Ho district - where the terrain is rugged, transportation is difficult, and life is full of deprivation, shamans and sorcerers still play an important role in the spiritual life of ethnic minorities. However, when beliefs turn into superstitions, when false beliefs cause people to delay medical examination and treatment, the consequences are extremely serious.

According to statistics from the Department of Health, the rate of ethnic minorities in mountainous districts such as Sin Ho, Phong Tho, and Muong Te who go to medical facilities when sick is still low, only about 58%. Of which, nearly 1/3 of the patients said they had gone to "worship a shaman" before going to the health station or hospital. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease are often overlooked or detected late, causing serious complications and even death.

After praying for 2 years without recovery, Mr. Cheo Yeu Son went to the hospital for treatment. Photo: Archive

The recent story of Mr. Cheo Yeu Son, 59 years old (Phang So Lin village, Phang So Lin commune, Sin Ho district) is still told by many people as a lesson for everyone in the commune. In 2021, Mr. Cheo Yeu Son had pain in his left leg. But instead of going to the doctor, he thought his illness was caused by ghosts, and then went to pray regularly every month. However, even though he prayed for a whole year, his condition did not improve. When he could not eat or sleep, and his body was emaciated from the pain, his family took him to the Provincial General Hospital. Here, he was diagnosed with "Lower extremity arterial thrombosis" - an extremely dangerous blood vessel blockage disease. The doctor advised early intervention, but he still did not believe it, and continued to ask to go home to perform the ghost worship ceremony.

Two years later, although he still worshiped regularly and invited a shaman to worship, his condition became worse, and his leg showed signs of necrosis. At this time, his family took him to the Provincial General Hospital. There, he met Dr. Tan A Pao, a son of the highlands, who was always devoted to the villagers. Dr. Pao encouraged him and explained his condition. He understood that his illness could not be cured by worshiping ghosts, but also had to be treated under the doctor's instructions. However, at this time, his illness was serious, and after consulting with a cardiologist, the doctor ordered that he had to amputate his limb to save his life. At this time, he and his family truly woke up and accepted the treatment. The surgery was successful, but Mr. Cheo Yeu Son had one of his legs amputated. When Dr. Pao asked whether surgery was more expensive or worshiping, Mr. Son was embarrassed and confused and answered, "worshiping is more expensive."

Mr. Cheo Yeu Son said that even though he lost his leg, he was still alive. He deeply regretted that because he believed in spirituality and ghosts, he lost a leg, making it more difficult for him to walk. He often tells his story to hope that people will avoid believing in worship to cure diseases.

The story of Mr. Cheo Yeu Son is a reminder: Health is the greatest asset, worship cannot replace a doctor's diagnosis, worship cannot replace treatment. When you are sick, you must go to the hospital to be examined by a doctor and given a treatment regimen, you must follow the doctor's orders to recover.

Resolution No. 15-NQ/TU of the Provincial Party Committee sets a clear goal of completely eliminating bad customs and building a civilized lifestyle in ethnic communities. This is a correct and necessary policy, requiring the participation of the entire political system, all levels of government, organizations and especially a change in awareness from the people themselves. We need to step up propaganda, mobilization, and improve people's knowledge, helping people understand the difference between true beliefs and superstitions, between good customs and practices and bad customs and practices. Only then can we build a civilized, healthy and sustainably developed society on the beautiful land of Lai Chau. Take action today, don't wait until there is no more opportunity!

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/van-hoa/chong-me-tin-di-doan-dung-doi-den-luc-khong-con-co-hoi-952310