Doctor Vi Van Nong, born in 1970, was recruited to the Dong Van Commune Health Station, Binh Lieu District in 1996.
In 2000, he studied at Hai Phong Medical Hospital, then returned to serve local people. From June 2011 to present, Dr. Nong has held the position of Head of Dong Van Commune Health Station.
Dong Van highland commune is the farthest place in Binh Lieu district, more than 21 km from the district center. The commune's population is over 3,300 people, of which over 95% are ethnic minorities, mainly Dao people.
The commune health station currently has 1 doctor, 2 nurses, 1 female whole- family member, 1 nurse and 1 officer. In 2024, the station examined and treated 2,840 people.
In recent years, although concrete roads have reached remote villages, with the sparsely populated population, the communication system and phone signal have not yet reached some remote areas. Doctor Nong and his colleagues still regularly visit people's homes to promote health information, prevent epidemics and plan family.
"Two decades ago, people here still had many outdated concepts, when sick they often looked for a medicine instead of going to a doctor. We both propagate and persevere in mobilizing. Now, people have changed, when they are sick, they always come to the infirmary.
I have learned Dao to treat Dao ethnic people more standardly, at least I have to understand what they say about the symptoms of the disease or where they are in pain," said Mr. Nong.
After nearly 30 years of working, Dr. Nong has given birth to more than 300 mothers. Nowadays, most pregnant women proactively go to district health centers or specialized hospitals for childbirth, but there are still cases of sudden childbirth, health stations must prepare medicine for timely intervention.
Mr. Nong said: In 2003, I received emergency information for a case of a child giving birth. I immediately took off my motorbike and ran to where I needed a team. When arriving, the mother was restless in the yard in heavy rain. My family and I transferred the mother to the room and successfully delivered the child, a healthy nephew, and a 3-section mother. In early 2025, that guy called me to report my discharge, which made me extremely emotional and happy.
"Through the first aid sessions for mothers and people in traffic accidents, I have learned from experience: As a doctor, I must always be ready to leave at any time. Motorbikes must have enough gas, phones must be open 24/7, and medical bags must always be there. Because if it is slow in one beat, life can leave the victim," Mr. Nong added.
Commenting on Dr. Nong, Ms. Ngo Thi Binh - Director of Binh Lieu District Medical Center - said: "Born and raised in Dong Van, Dr. Nong is of the Tay ethnic group, clearly understanding the difficulties of the border area here.
He is not only dedicated to medical examination and treatment but also persists in mobilizing, helping people change their awareness of health care. With his contributions, Dr. Vi Van Nong is a symbol of compassion in the health sector of Binh Lieu district".
