The medical team stays in the village to serve the people.

Over the years, the medical staff at Pac Ta Commune Health Station (Lai Chau Province) have persistently stayed in the villages, gradually changing the perceptions of ethnic minority people regarding healthcare. Through their dedication and approachability, they have become a reliable support system for the people of this mountainous commune.

People come to the Pac Ta Commune Health Station for medical examination.

In 2009, Dr. Ha Van Canh went to Lai Chau to take up the position of Director of Pac Ta Commune Health Station. At that time, Pac Ta commune was still facing many difficulties, lacking in infrastructure and living conditions; the practice of treating illnesses through rituals and inviting shamans was still quite common among the people.

To change the perceptions of the local people, Dr. Canh and his colleagues persistently promoted the benefits of healthcare, disease prevention, vaccination, and safe reproductive health care. Beyond examining and treating illnesses, the doctors and nurses also went directly to each village to educate and explain the benefits of visiting healthcare facilities. Thanks to their approachable and sincere approach, the people's trust in the healthcare team gradually strengthened. When ill, many people proactively went to the health station for examination and treatment.

After many years working in the mountainous commune and being close to the people, Dr. Canh has drawn valuable lessons: "Working as a doctor in the mountains is not just about examining and treating diseases, but also about doing a good job of community outreach and communication to change people's health care behaviors. When health workers persistently engage with and care for the people, it will help them gradually abandon outdated customs and proactively seek medical facilities instead of inviting shamans to perform rituals..."

Along with Doctor Canh, pharmacist Kieu Thi Giang is one of the longest-serving staff members here. Ms. Giang came to Pac Ta in 1992, when Pac Ta was still part of Than Uyen district, Lao Cai province. Having worked as a pharmacist for many years and frequently interacting with the local people, Ms. Giang understands the hardships and difficulties caused by backward customs and poverty. Therefore, each time she dispenses medicine, she always tries to be approachable and gently explain to the people the benefits of seeking medical care at the local health facility.

Slow and steady wins the race, and people's awareness is gradually changing. Ms. Giang said: "Now, from vaccinations and childbirth to regular health care, people proactively go for check-ups, and doctors and nurses no longer have to go down to the villages to persuade them as before." The change in people's awareness is clearly shown through the sharing of Ms. Lo Thi Nghe in Pac Ta village: "Before, whenever we were sick, our family would invite a shaman to perform rituals. At that time, we just followed the customs passed down from our ancestors. Each ritual took several days, costing us buffaloes and pigs, and the illness didn't get better. Now we've stopped the rituals; when we're sick, we go to the doctor, and if we need medicine, we go to the health station. For many years now, no one in our village has performed rituals when they are sick like before..."

Before the merger, the Pac Ta Commune Health Station had 7 staff members in charge of 9 villages, which was very challenging. From January 1st, 2026, the unit was transferred to the direct management of the Pac Ta Commune People's Committee, and the number of doctors and medical staff was increased (currently the station has 22 people). With this change in mindset, people's access to healthcare services has also become easier.

According to Dr. Lo Van Thanh, Deputy Director of Pac Ta Commune Health Station, although the station's facilities still face many difficulties and there is a shortage of equipment for examination and treatment, the dedication and perseverance of the medical staff in Pac Ta have contributed to raising people's awareness of healthcare, gradually improving the quality of basic medical services, and bringing confidence to the people in the highlands.

Text and photos: TRAN TUAN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/doi-ngu-y-te-bam-ban-vi-dan-post949887.html