Sala - Lao Cai 2026 Program: Connecting and spreading love to the border highlands

In the early days of June 2026, the program "Sala - Lào Cai 2026: Connection and Spreading Love" took place in Lào Cai province, bringing meaningful humanitarian medical activities and educational support for the people and children in remote, disadvantaged highlands.

The program is organized by the Sala Humanitarian Club under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Khanh, Deputy Director of Viet Duc Friendship Hospital and President of the Vietnamese Orthopaedic Association, with the participation of physicians from Viet Duc Friendship Hospital and experts from the VietCal Organization (USA), in coordination with the Department of Health of Lao Cai Province, Lao Cai General Hospital No. 2, and Center No. 2 for Direct Support to Children with Disabilities, to conduct examinations, consultations, and surgeries for children and disadvantaged individuals suffering from orthopedic conditions in Lao Cai.

Figure 1: Working session between the Sala Humanitarian Club, Lao Cai Provincial General Hospital No. 2, and Center 2 – Direct support for children with disabilities

Bringing advanced medical care closer to people in highland areas

During the two-day working period from June 3 to 4, the expert delegation performed examinations, consultations, case conferences, and surgeries for numerous cases involving orthopedic pathologies, congenital anomalies, and motor disabilities.

Image 2: Sala Humanitarian Club, together with volunteer physicians, 

experts from the VietCal Foundation (USA) 

At Lao Cai General Hospital No. 2, dozens of patients in difficult circumstances gained direct access to leading experts in the field of orthopedics and traumatology. On the first day of implementation, over 80 cases were examined and operated on, and nearly 30 surgeries were successfully performed on the second working day of the program.

Participating in this year's business trip is MSc.Dr. Do Vu Anh, an Orthopedic and Sports Medicine specialist from Viet Duc University Hospital. Alongside his colleagues in the delegation, the doctor directly participated in examining and treating patients, contributing to bringing advanced techniques to highland residents right in their local area.

Figure 3: Dr. Vu Anh performing surgery at Lao Cai General Hospital No. 2

Figures 4-5: Dr. Vu Anh and his colleagues examining and consulting on the young patients

Ảnh 6-7: Bác sĩ Vũ Anh cùng các đồng nghiệp trong đoàn

Each treated case is not merely a medical intervention, but also an opportunity to help patients regain their mobility and alleviate the burden of travel, accommodation, and treatment costs at central-level hospitals.

In addition to medical examination and treatment activities, the program also served as an opportunity for domestic and international experts to exchange professional expertise and share clinical experience, thereby contributing to enhancing the treatment capacity of the local medical team.

Spreading love to students in border regions

Not stopping at medical activities, Sala's journey also extended to Muong Khuong district—one of the disadvantaged localities in Lao Cai province.

At Muong Khuong Secondary School, which has approximately 850 students—the majority of whom belong to ethnic minority groups—the delegation donated a computer lab equipped with 15 new sets of computers, providing the students with enhanced opportunities to access digital knowledge and technology; 300 new backpacks sponsored by Ladoda Company to encourage high-achieving students for the new school year; and 20 Ngo Van Toan scholarships to support underprivileged students in overcoming adversity.

Figure 8: Sala Club presenting gifts to disadvantaged students who have overcome academic hardships

The simple joy of the children receiving gifts, cherishing their new backpacks, the excitement of touching a new keyboard, along with the innocent songs and dances of their school years to welcome the delegation made the atmosphere at the highland school closer than ever. That was also the most meaningful reward for the Sala members.

Continuing the journey, the delegation visited and worked with the Muong Khuong Regional Medical Center. The meeting went beyond professional exchange, opening up future directions and commitments for long-term medical support to the local people.

On the occasion of Action Month for Children, the delegation presented 200 gift packages of pastries from Viet Duc Friendship Hospital to the pediatric patients currently receiving treatment here. Through the local medical team, the delegation also donated numerous warm woolen hats, toys, and school supplies prepared by the VietCal Organization to the exceptionally disadvantaged high-mountain school site in La Pan Tan.

"Each successful surgery, each scholarship awarded, and each smile from the students is the driving force for Sala to continue its mission of connecting and spreading love to disadvantaged regions across the country," shared a representative of the club.

Concluding the "Sala - Lào Cai 2026" program, the values brought by the delegation extend beyond medical and material support, embodying hope, sharing, and a spirit of long-term partnership with the community in the remote border region.