A heart that "stays" with its homeland.

(Baonghean) - In April, Thanh Lam commune (Thanh Chuong district) held a charity program for the poor with the theme "Warmth of Homeland Love". This activity was carried out by the family of the late Doctor - Director of the Hospital Nguyen Minh Hong. This activity multiplies the noble deeds that the doctor had previously directed towards supporting his homeland.

Those who voted for National Assembly representative, Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong (who passed away on September 26, 2014 in Hanoi after a serious illness, at the age of 71) still cherish his image, feelings, and contributions to his homeland and society. Throughout his career, he undertook many different tasks, always striving to excel in every role. He founded the "Center for Research and Application of Medical Advancements in Vietnam." Besides assembling a team of skilled doctors, he was very concerned with training young successors. Many young doctors and technicians, after graduating from medical school, joined his center. He prioritized the recruitment and training of staff from rural areas. He also proposed that Nghe An Radio and Television Station launch the program "Your Doctor," which he funded. Over the past 10 years, the program has produced and broadcast 464 programs in both Vietnamese and Hmong languages ​​to answer people's health questions.

The family of doctor Nguyen Minh Son donated a goat to Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen Duc Suu in Trieu Long village, Thanh Lam commune (Thanh Chuong district).

Over the past nearly 20 years, through numerous practical actions, he has provided assistance and support to the people of the province with a total amount exceeding 100 billion VND, of which 60 billion VND was specifically allocated to Thanh Chuong district. These projects include Thanh Lam Primary School, Trieu Long Bridge, Cua Tro Bridge (Cat Van commune), the Youth Science and Technology Club at the district center, the Thanh Lam commune post office, and the Thanh Chuong district cultural center. Even when seriously ill, he continued to sponsor Nguyen Thi Hien, a 6th-grade student in Nam Dan, until she finished 12th grade. Despite his severe illness, he silently endured his suffering to fulfill the charitable work he had promised to local communities and individuals.

Although he has passed away, the charitable activities under the name "Nguyen Minh Hong General Hospital" continue. In October 2014, Dr. Nguyen Minh Son (his eldest son) donated 10 savings accounts, each worth 5 million VND, to 10 poor families in Thanh Lam commune. Recently (April 10th), as part of the "Warmth of Homeland" program, he donated 2 pairs of goats to each of 5 poor households for breeding and economic development (total value nearly 60 million VND). This is the first program following in the footsteps of his late father's charitable activities, supporting and assisting disadvantaged households in the province. Mr. Nguyen Duc Suu, from Trieu Long village, shared after receiving the breeding goats: "We are always grateful to Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong. Even though he has passed away, his family's continued support is invaluable. We will follow the proper breeding procedures and work diligently to overcome poverty as a token of our gratitude…" According to the program, it is expected that each year, Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong's family will donate 10 pairs of goats or 5 cows to 5 poor households in a commune. The number of communes to be included in the program will be determined based on the funds raised, aiming for at least one commune to benefit each year. In 2015, the program was implemented in Thanh Lam commune; in subsequent years, proposals will be made by the Thanh Chuong District Farmers' Association.

During the first phase of the "Warmth of Homeland" program implemented in Thanh Lam commune (Thanh Chuong district), Mr. Le Quang Dat, Secretary of the District Party Committee, emotionally shared: "Before his passing, the late Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong wished to meet with district leaders to express his desire for all commune health stations to receive donated equipment and facilities to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment. He also asked the district leaders to tell the people about the unfinished projects, which his wife and children would continue... The heart and soul of a son far from home, wanting to share, support, and help the poor until the very last moment of his life, he never forgot..."

Dr. Nguyen Minh Son, the eldest son of Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong, shared: “When diagnosed with cancer, my father still found time to complete some unfinished tasks, such as spending over 1.7 billion VND to buy hundreds of essential medical supplies to donate to commune health stations in Nghe An province. I have accompanied my father on charity trips to several localities, and each time we visited, he reminded me to pay attention to small details, as they would be helpful in choosing which places to support later. The 'Warmth of Homeland' program is about giving 'fishing rods' instead of 'fish,' which means providing livestock and technical support to help each poor household develop animal husbandry and gradually improve their lives...”

Mrs. Pham Thu Huong, wife of Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong, affirmed: “While he was alive, Mr. Hong often said, ‘I am where I am today thanks to my homeland, which nurtured and supported me from the difficult times. Repaying my debt to my homeland is the driving force that motivates me to work and contribute. Therefore, if he is no longer in this world, his wife and children will fulfill this wish for him…’”

Dam Phuong