(VOVworld) – There are a number of people in Vietnam today who donate their time to offer free medical care for poor people. Our program introduces one example, former military doctor Dang Cat of Hanoi.

Dang Cat lives in a small house in Hanoi, where he treats scores of patients every day. He told us that during his 30 years in the military fighting through two national resistance wars, he traveled to almost every battlefield across the nation to treat soldiers and civilians, and even some in Laos and Cambodia.  

Each successful case gave him encouragement to improve his skills and treatment methods. Doctor Cat recalls one of his unforgettable memories: "In 1965, soldier Dinh Xuan Bi’s Achilles’ tendon was torn in the northwestern forest. I successfully reattached it and he was able to return to the front. Since then I have pursued my passion for science." 

Cat says in order to increase the effectiveness of treatment, it’s better to combine eastern and western medicines. Sometimes, he has had to monitor a patient’s condition for several days to find the most suitable method. He served as Head of the medical corps of Son La province’s Armed Police Force, and Head of the medical corps of the Border Military Officers school. Cat discovered a treatment for cestode worms using the roots of pomegranate and areca trees, and a treatment for neck and spinal pain. His neighbors trust him and he has many patients. Do Van Long is Cat’s former comrade and current neighbor: "In 1999, I had a tumor on my left temple. Doctor Cat treated it for a long time until it disappeared. I was injected with approximately 200 antibiotic doses. In 2002 I had another tumor on my chin. He treated me effectively again. I respect him, he’s my benefactor."

Cat retired in 1989. Since then he has regularly visited his patients’ home to treat them regardless of the weather. Many families offer him gifts or cash to thank him, but he has never accepted. Some charitable organizations and individuals want to help him open a healthcare center, but he refuses. Cat says he helps people in need without payment. 70 - year – old Le Bich Thinh suffers from a pain in her leg since an accident, and from chronic stomach pain: "He gives medicine free if it’s cheap or helps us to buy expensive medicines. He has never hesitated to visit patients at night or in the rain. After a check-up, he advises us what we should and should not eat."

In addition to treating patients, Cat also advises his neighbors on how to prevent diseases and protect their health. He said: "Health is gold. We should listen to our body to prevent illness. We should believe in the treatment. I ask people not to smoke or drink alcohol,to pay attention to the origin of their food, and respect science. I serve the patients according to my ability, and anyone who trusts me I will try to treat them wholeheartedly."

At the age of 70, Cat’s health shows signs of decline but he still tries to visit seriously ill patients living far away. He also studies clinical records and replies to letters from patients who are unable to visit the doctor. Cat says he will continue to treat patients as long as anyone trusts him.