In the remote, mist-shrouded mountains along the Việt Nam-Laos border, where rugged terrain isolates communities from modern amenities, access to healthcare is often a distant dream. Yet, in these borderlands, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Vietnamese medical workers, both civilian and military, are bridging the gap, delivering life-saving care to ethnic minority villages on both sides of the frontier. Beyond treating ailments, their efforts are weaving stronger cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations, reinforcing a historic bond rooted in shared heritage and mutual support.
This cross-border healthcare initiative, exemplified by the dedication of individuals like Dr Nguyễn Văn Quốc Trí in Quảng Nam’s Tây Giang District and the compassionate staff at A Lưới District Medical Centre in Thừa Thiên Huế, is not just about medicine. It is a testament to solidarity, trust, and the enduring friendship between Việt Nam and Laos—a relationship that transcends geographical boundaries.
A Lifeline in the Highlands
In the early hours of a bitterly cold January morning in 2024, Dr Nguyễn Văn Quốc Trí, a medic at the A Xan Military-Civilian Clinic in Tây Giang District, received an urgent call. Bríu Thị Poi, a 29-year-old Cơ Tu woman from Arooi Village, had gone into labour while travelling to the clinic. Stranded at the edge of a forest after her water broke, she was in desperate need of help. Without hesitation, Dr Trí and his team navigated the dense, dark terrain to reach her. By the light of torches and a makeshift fire, they delivered a healthy baby girl as dawn broke over the ancient mountains. 
Dr Trí’s story is emblematic of the challenges and triumphs of healthcare in Việt Nam’s border regions. A native of Quảng Nam Province, he has served as a military medic since 2007, witnessing firsthand the struggles of highland communities with limited access to medical services. Driven by a desire to do more, he pursued further studies at Huế University of Medicine, funding his own education, before returning to A Xan in 2014 to lead the clinic. Today, equipped with modern medical devices, the facility serves not only Vietnamese residents of four border communes but also Laotian villagers from Sekong Province who cross the border seeking care.
Major Phan Minh Xuân, Deputy Political Commissar of the A Xan Border Guard Station, praises Dr Trí’s unwavering commitment. “He is not only skilled but deeply dedicated, encouraging healthy lifestyles among locals. His actions earn trust, which is vital for border guards protecting national sovereignty,” he said. Dr Trí’s efforts to learn the Cơ Tu language have further broken down barriers, fostering a profound connection with the community.
For many in these isolated villages, the clinic is a beacon of hope. Sut Nhon, a resident of Kà Lừm District in Laos, regularly seeks treatment there. “The doctors take excellent care of me, and my condition always improves. This clinic is trusted by border villages in both countries,” he shared. Similarly, Bling Mơ from Tr’hy Commune noted a cultural shift since the clinic’s establishment. “In the past, we relied on shamans. Now, with dedicated workers like Dr Trí, who even travel long distances at night to reach patients, we have better access to care,” he said.
Compassion Without Borders
Further north, in Thừa Thiên Huế’s A Lưới District, which shares borders with Laos’ Sekong and Salavan provinces, the A Lưới District Medical Centre is another lifeline for remote communities. Here, the harsh terrain and treacherous roads do not deter Laotian patients from seeking treatment. In 2024, the centre recorded 380 visits from Laotian patients—a 150 per cent increase from the previous year—highlighting the growing reliance on Vietnamese healthcare.
Among those receiving care are elderly patients like Hồ Văn Pếp, a 67-year-old from Salavan Province, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after enduring severe symptoms. “I had never sought treatment in Việt Nam before, but my family brought me here. The facilities are clean, and the doctors are attentive. I feel much better already,” he said. Quỳnh Thiệu, another patient battling multiple chronic conditions, echoed this sentiment after a gruelling motorbike journey to reach A Lưới. “I trust the brotherly bond between our communities. I’ve only been here a few days, but I’m improving,” he added.
Beyond medical treatment, the centre offers emotional and material support. Patients like Lê Thị Nhỏ, a young mother from Sekong Province, receive newborn clothing from the centre’s charity wardrobe, alongside attentive care. “With the doctors and nurses looking after me, I have nothing to worry about,” she said, visibly moved. Dr Hồ Thanh Lễ, a specialist at the centre, explained that common ailments among Laotian patients include hypertension, diabetes, and parasitic infections in children, often compounded by malnutrition. Staff also provide health education to ensure long-term wellbeing.
Strengthening Bonds Through Healthcare
The healthcare initiatives in A Lưới go beyond individual care, embodying a broader commitment to cross-border solidarity. Laotian patients, many from the Pa Cô and Cơ Tu ethnic groups, share cultural ties with their Vietnamese neighbours, easing communication—some even speak fluent Vietnamese. The centre supports these patients with free meals, subsidised treatment, and donations of clothing and essentials. For severe cases, the Military Medical Unit of Defence Economic Brigade 92 provides emergency transport to higher-tier hospitals.
Dr Hồ Bách Thắng, director of the A Lưới District Medical Centre, underscored the centre’s dedication to Laotian patients, many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds. “We strive to provide the best care possible, alleviating their financial burdens,” he said. Local authorities allocate approximately VNĐ300 million annually for medical support, though the rising number of patients strains resources. During Laos New Year, additional food aid is distributed to border communities, further cementing ties.
Nguyễn Văn Hải, vice chairman of the A Lưới District People’s Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of these efforts. “The strong relationship with Lao border communities contributes to stability and national security,” he noted. Dr Trần Kiêm Hảo, director of Huế City’s Department of Health, added that such cooperation enhances public health capacity and reinforces the deep-rooted solidarity between the two nations.
A Model of Regional Cooperation
The healthcare outreach along the Việt Nam-Laos border serves as a powerful model of regional cooperation, blending humanitarian aid with diplomacy. By addressing the immediate needs of isolated communities, Vietnamese medical workers are building trust and fostering mutual understanding. This is particularly significant in border regions, where ethnic and cultural overlaps create a shared identity that transcends national boundaries.
However, challenges remain. The increasing demand for services in areas like A Lưới highlights the need for greater funding and infrastructure. If current trends continue, local authorities may struggle to sustain the level of support without additional resources. Potential solutions, such as international partnerships or expanded government allocations, could ensure the longevity of these programmes, though such measures remain speculative pending confirmation of funding commitments.
Moreover, the cultural sensitivity displayed by medical staff—whether through learning local languages or providing tailored care—offers a blueprint for other border regions in South East Asia. If replicated, such initiatives could strengthen ties across the region, though success would depend on local contexts and resource availability, factors yet to be fully assessed.
A Shared Future
In the rugged borderlands of Việt Nam and Laos, healthcare is more than a service; it is a bridge connecting communities, histories, and futures. The tireless work of individuals like Dr Nguyễn Văn Quốc Trí and the staff at A Lưới District Medical Centre embodies a spirit of compassion that knows no borders. Their efforts not only heal bodies but also nurture a profound sense of solidarity, proving that even in the most remote corners of the world, humanity can thrive through mutual care and understanding.
As Việt Nam continues to extend a helping hand to its neighbour, these initiatives stand as a reminder of the power of shared values. They are a quiet yet potent force in shaping a region defined not by division, but by unity—a legacy of trust and friendship that endures amidst the mountains.
