Increasing integration opportunities for children with disabilities

QTO - “Poverty makes wisdom” is the situation of many families with disabled children in poor rural areas. In addition to worrying about food and clothing, they also have to face the burden of treating their children. Fortunately, thanks to free surgery programs for disabled children in difficult circumstances, many children have been given hope for a chance to live a healthy life and integrate with their friends.

Each successful surgery will give disabled children more strength and faith in life - Photo: HL

Light up hope

At the Department of Nephrology and Urology, Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital (HNVN-CBDH), Ms. Nguyen Thi S. (Ninh Chau commune) is busy taking care of her 9-year-old grandson who has just undergone surgery. The grandson has a hypospadias defect, and as he grows older, going to the toilet becomes more and more difficult, causing the family great worry.

“We knew that my child had these unusual symptoms, but we are farmers and have limited finances so we couldn’t afford to take him to see a doctor or get treatment. Luckily, thanks to this program, he received completely free surgery. My family was very happy and grateful to the doctors and sponsors,” she emotionally shared.

Mrs. S.’s story is not unique. Mrs. Tran Thi S. (Truong Phu commune) simultaneously takes care of two grandchildren, aged 6 and 8, both with leg deformities, who are being treated at the Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Department. The children’s parents are also disabled, and the family’s livelihood depends on a small monthly allowance.

Mrs. S. sadly said: “When the older child was little, he could still run and jump normally. His parents decided to have a second child. Unexpectedly, when he was over 3 years old, the older child's legs gradually weakened and he could no longer walk. The younger child had the same problem. Previously, the family took him to Hanoi for examination, but they said it would cost too much money, so they sent him back.” This time, when they heard about the free support program, the family brought the children there in the hope that their legs could recover somewhat.

Thanks to the support of Center II (Vietnam Association for the Relief of Disabled Children) and sponsors, the free surgery program for disabled children in difficult circumstances has been maintained in Quang Binh province (formerly), now Quang Tri, for the past 4 years.

Every year, dozens and hundreds of children are treated, opening up opportunities to integrate, study and play like their peers. “I am very grateful to the doctors and sponsors. I hope my legs will be straight and beautiful, so I can go to school and have fun with my friends,” shared D.C. (13 years old), one of the disabled children who received free examination and surgery.

Many parents shed tears when they saw their children being given the chance to change. Ms. Nguyen Thi M. (Vinh Hoang commune) shared: “My child has X-shaped legs, cannot walk normally, so sometimes he is more timid than his friends.

When I heard about the program, I was so happy that I took my child there right away. The doctor said that if he didn’t have surgery soon, his spine could be deformed, affecting his chest. Luckily, he has had the intervention now.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi D. (Quang Ninh commune) said that her granddaughter was burned by boiling water when she was only 1 and a half years old, leaving large scars on her abdomen, affecting both her appearance and her long-term health. Having received free surgery this time, she choked up: “The doctors are very dedicated. Every day when changing the bandage, they ask about and encourage my granddaughter and my family. My family is truly grateful.”

In previous years, the program has been successfully implemented in Quang Binh province (old). In 2022, 196 children were screened, 76 children had surgery, 5 children received assistive devices; in 2023, 230 children were screened, 72 children had surgery, 6 children were given hearing aids, wheelchairs, 2 cases received rehabilitation exercises; in 2024, 57 children had surgery.

Joy and anxiety

Mr. Nguyen Trong Dai, Deputy Director of Center II, said: The program of free screening and surgery for disabled children from 0-16 years old in Quang Tri province in 2025 is organized by Center II - a unit under the Vietnam Association for the Relief of Disabled Children in coordination with HNVN-CBDH Hospital, with main sponsorship from Thien Tam Fund of Vingroup Corporation.

This year's program has the cooperation of experts from leading hospitals nationwide such as Bach Mai, Viet Duc, Central Eye, Xanh Pon, Hanoi Medical University, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy... with doctors and staff of HNVN-CBDH Hospital.

Doctors strive to bring joy back to disabled children - Photo: HL

Behind each surgery is the effort of the medical team, doctors and the hearts of the sponsors. According to Dr. CKII Tran Anh Duong, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, HNVN-CBDH Hospital, in the department alone, there have been 28 cases of eye defects (strabismus, ptosis, cataracts...) that have been operated on.

“After surgery, the children regained their confidence and joy in life, study and the future. That is the most precious gift that the program brings. We also consider this a valuable opportunity to exchange and learn about techniques and academics from our colleagues at the frontline.”

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery is the unit that receives and performs surgery for the most cases in this period, with 44 cases. Head of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Doctor CKII Nguyen Huu Chinh expressed his concern during the screening process, discovering that many cases came to the hospital late, with deformities that had left sequelae.

“As soon as parents detect abnormal signs in their children, they need to take them to a medical facility early to be examined, consulted and treated promptly by a specialist. I also hope that there will be many free examination and surgery programs for disabled children in difficult circumstances so that they can receive early intervention and have a greater chance of returning to normal,” said Dr. Chinh.

“In 2025, after the merger, the area will be larger. Thanks to the enhanced communication work, information about the program has reached more people. This time, more than 350 children were examined, 131 cases underwent surgery, 18 children received assistive devices, and 6 cases were transferred to higher levels for continued treatment. The number of children brought for screening and surgery has nearly doubled compared to the average of previous years. This demonstrates the trust of parents and the widespread effectiveness of the program,” affirmed Dr. Nguyen Duc Cuong, Director of HNVN-CBDH Hospital.

Huong Le

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/suc-khoe/202508/tang-co-hoi-hoa-nhap-cho-tre-khuet-tat-0493ecd/