As both medical facilities and human resources are stretched to the limit and more patients lose their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, help is coming from across society.
According to the Ministry of Health, Viet Nam recorded 732,492 infections from April 27 to September 24. Over the past week, the number of new infections has been hovering at an average of nearly 10,000 cases per day.
The father of the "Rice ATM" scheme in the previous wave of the pandemic, Hoang Tuan Anh has continued to help people in need. His latest scheme is an oxygen ATM system for home-isolated F0 patients, which has saved many people's lives.
Starting with 90 oxygen tanks deployed at stations in Phu Nhuan district, Anh has now coordinated with unions and business associations to supply thousands more at-home oxygen cylinders for patients in need.
The international office of leading Thai conglomerate TCP Group (TCPVN), and owner of Red Bull and Warrior energy drink brands, has contributed more than VND2 billion (US$67,000) in cash and products in research and manufacturing activities, helping to support those on the frontline fighting the pandemic.
According to the firm, VND1 billion is going to the Viet Nam Young Doctors Association, and an ambulance worth more than VND810 million was gifted to District 11 Hospital.
The firm has also donated more than VND3 billion in cash and 8,683 boxes of products to epidemic prevention programs, agencies and organizations.
Warrior, a brand of TCPVN, has contributed 6,000 boxes of energy drinks to COVID-19 frontline forces in HCMC and 18 other southern provinces. Amid the outbreak in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh, the brand also provided VND200 million and 600 boxes of products.
Vice-chairman of the Young Doctors Association, Nguyen Huu Tu said: "The business' cooperation has facilitated prompt distributions of oxygen cylinders and medical supplies to frontline facilities to preserve lives for patients."
General director of TCPVN, Nguyen Thanh Huan said that the health and safety of the community are always a priority, adding: "We hope our efforts will aid the Government in supporting people to overcome difficulties"
As the pandemic continues, Vietnam's health sector has to cope with many unprecedented challenges. More than ever, it is necessary for everyone to do what they can to bring the pandemic to an end. — VNS