Mo Pho: Coffee shop transformed into... a free clinic.

At 7 a.m. on Saturday, while many people were still sleeping in after a week of work, Mơ Phố coffee shop (Dong Da district, Hanoi) was already crowded. These weren't customers ordering coffee, but rather elderly people, poor laborers, and others coming for medical check-ups.

Volunteers assist in dispensing medication to elderly men and women - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

For over 10 years, every Saturday morning, this small café has become a free clinic run by the Volunteer Doctors Association.

They are retired doctors, currently working doctors, and even young medical professionals who dedicate their days off to providing healthcare to those in need.

We provide medical care on a voluntary basis, without coercion. Medicines and gifts for the people are all carefully prepared. The list of impoverished households is provided by the local authorities, with support from charitable organizations and individuals.

Doctor TRINH THU PHUONG

A favorite hangout spot for elderly men and women.

No large signs, no complicated procedures; in a small cafe, the examination process consists only of a numbered slip, a small medical record book, and "patients" are arranged by volunteers to wait for their turn to be examined.

Arriving at the clinic early, Mrs. Hoang Thi Sam (68 years old, from Nghi Loc, Nghe An ) waited for her turn to have a health check-up. This time, she wanted a general check-up, including blood pressure measurement, blood tests, and examinations of the ears, nose, throat, cardiovascular system, teeth, and eyes.

Mrs. Sam recounted that she went to Hanoi to look after her daughter's grandchildren. For many years, despite her poor health, she hid her illness from her daughter, not daring to tell her.

"My child told me to go for a check-up, but I'm hesitant because of the crowds and the cost. Oh well, I'll just leave it at this age," Mrs. Sam said softly. She also admitted that she had never had a proper general health check-up before.

"I came here today to ask the doctor for a complete examination. Blood tests, all sorts of checkups. The doctor spoke gently and explained everything clearly. After the examination, I was given medicine and even a gift... I don't know what to say except thank you, I'm truly touched," Mrs. Sam said emotionally.

Mr. Pham Tuan Bich (90 years old, residing in Dong Da District, Hanoi) still regularly comes here whenever he has minor health problems.

"If I'm seriously ill, I go to the hospital, but for anything unexpected or minor, I come here. It's convenient here, and the doctors are good," Mr. Bich said.

He still has regular check-ups every three months at the Transport Hospital under his health insurance. But for symptoms like pharyngitis or mild pain, he chooses a clinic near his home.

"Hospitals are crowded and you have to wait a long time. Here, it's quick and comfortable," he said with a smile.

While waiting for his turn to be examined, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh (76 years old, O Cho Dua ward) chatted animatedly with the young volunteers.

He shared that he has been regularly visiting the clinic for the past three years. He has several underlying health conditions and requires monthly check-ups. Because of this, he has become familiar with the doctors and volunteers.

"If you get all the tests done at the hospital, the cost can reach nearly 1 million VND. But here, everything is free. For those in need, that's a significant amount of money. Not to mention many elderly people who don't have insurance and are frail."

"Going to the hospital used to require children or grandchildren to accompany us, taking taxis, and being helped along, which was very difficult. Here, it's close to home, and we can walk there. I hope this model will be replicated, especially in rural and suburban areas, so that people can have regular medical check-ups," Mr. Binh said.

Small clinics are not only a choice for the elderly; they are also an option for working people who find it difficult to schedule time.

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Huong (57 years old, Hanoi) has multiple underlying health conditions, including hypertension since the age of 36, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

"At the hospital, tests are only done during business hours. If you want to get them done, you have to take time off work or pay a fee. Here, you get a free check-up from the doctor," she said.

Each year, she tries to visit the clinic a few times for a general check-up.

"The doctors here are very enthusiastic, friendly, gentle, and explain things clearly. That's all elderly people need," she shared.

Ms. Hoang Thi Sam (68 years old, from Nghi Loc, Nghe An) visits Mo Pho for the first time for a check-up - Photo: NGUYEN HIEN

These doctors are "retired but not ready to rest."

After being received on the first floor, the "special guests" were invited to the second floor for examination.

In the small room, modern equipment, no less sophisticated than that of a private clinic, was neatly arranged. From ultrasound machines and electrocardiographs to ENT endoscopes and blood testing systems, everything was available.

Sitting at the examination table, Dr. Nguyen Thi Tho (born in 1958), formerly of Xanh Pon General Hospital, carefully reviews the test results of a patient.

At over 60 years old, when many people have chosen a slower pace of life to enjoy their old age, Dr. Tho still regularly participates in providing free medical examinations and treatment to the people.

Dr. Tho said she joined the Volunteer Doctors Association through a colleague's recommendation. Initially, she just wanted to try it out, but after many medical trips to remote provinces, she decided to commit to it long-term.

"Even though I've retired, I still have the energy and expertise, so why not continue helping others? For me, going to check on patients like this is something very worthwhile," she confided.

According to Doctor Tho, most of the patients who come here are elderly people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

"They need a lot of advice on diet and lifestyle. Hospitals are overcrowded, making it difficult to have time to explain things in detail. Here, doctors can provide more thorough consultations," Dr. Tho shared.

Dr. Trinh Thu Phuong (54 years old, currently working at the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry) has been involved with the Volunteer Doctors Association since its early days.

Dr. Phuong shared that her connection with the association began in 2013, when the clinic's model was still in its nascent stages. In 2015, the Mo Pho cafe was established, serving as both a meeting space and the "headquarters" for the association's activities.

"I've been with the association for over 12 years now. During that time, my colleagues and I have participated in dozens of medical missions to remote areas, mainly serving ethnic minorities, where people rarely, if ever, have access to healthcare services," Dr. Phuong shared.

According to Dr. Phuong, to maintain its operations for over a decade, the association has received support from many philanthropists, including a significant number of people who have silently supported it and do not wish to be named.

For medical missions in remote areas, if funding is insufficient close to the deployment date, the doctors and volunteers in the team voluntarily contribute additional funds.

A place to love your profession and learn your trade.

Also participating in medical examinations for the public, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Ha (40 years old, Hanoi), despite simultaneously managing two dental clinics and a medical equipment company, still regularly arranges time to participate in medical examinations.

"About three years ago, through a friend's introduction, I learned about this initiative. My biggest motivation is the desire to share my expertise to help people in need who do not have access to major medical facilities," said Dr. Ha.

According to Dr. Ha, many people, especially the poor and the elderly, often suffer from chronic oral health problems due to a lack of access to examinations and treatment. When she joined the association, she hoped to contribute her expertise to help others.

Due to her busy work schedule, Dr. Ha cannot participate regularly every week. She said she usually tries to arrange to see patients about once or twice a month. "Sometimes I feel guilty for not being able to participate more often, but when I can arrange the time, I come right away," she confided.

She shared that busy consultation sessions with many patients don't make her feel tired. On the contrary, it's a joy. "When I get to examine many people, I feel very happy because at that moment I've been able to share my professional expertise with the patients," she shared.

Here, it's not just experienced doctors; young people like Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (24 years old), a nurse at Military Central Hospital 108, also volunteer every Saturday.

Thảo joined the association during her student years. "Instead of going out on weekends, I come here. I can help others and learn a lot of valuable experience," Thảo said. For Thảo, the small clinic is not just a place for medical examinations, but also a place that connects many generations in the medical field.

In the midst of a crowded Hanoi with overcrowded hospitals, a small coffee shop has become a healthcare hub for many people.

The Volunteer Doctors Association was officially established on June 6, 2015, under the Saigon Volunteer Doctors Club - Ho Chi Minh City Business Association.

The association operates in the field of humanitarian medical examination and treatment, providing free medicine to the poor and vulnerable in disadvantaged, remote, and rural areas.

The association includes doctors from many major hospitals such as Military Central Hospital 108, Bach Mai Hospital, Saint Paul Hospital, etc., along with a team of volunteers.

Operating resources come from social contributions and fundraising activities, including the Mơ Phố community café model.

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DUONG LIEU - NGUYEN HIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mo-pho-quan-ca-phe-thanh-phong-kham-mien-phi-20260201232530045.htm