Buzz
Discover in HO CHI MINH CITY, a gracious three-story dwelling spanning over 1,200 m2, generously open to all. Equipped with essential amenities, it serves as a haven, lightening the load for numerous underprivileged individuals seeking medical solace in the city.
This hostel, a two-story gem located on 1A Street, Gian Dan Quarter, Long Thanh My Ward (Thu Duc City), stands just a kilometer away from Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital. Operational for over a month now, it offers respite to those in need.
Managed by Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, this altruistic initiative is close to his heart as the hostel's owner is a relative. The construction, initiated two years ago, faced interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They've now opened their doors to patients, driven by a profound understanding of the struggles faced by families dealing with cancer. Mr. Tuan shares, “The loss of a family member to cancer compelled us to comprehend the hardships of those who, living far from Saigon, seek treatment. Hence, we embarked on creating this free housing complex,” narrates Mr. Tuan.
Beyond a cozy ground-floor area for offices and reception, each floor is adorned with beds for patients and their relatives. The resort, with a capacity for nearly 300 beds, currently hosts over 20 individuals but remains unlisted. Complementing the free lodging, occupants receive complimentary blankets, mats, and pillows without incurring any additional costs.
The remaining space has been meticulously designed by the owner, featuring a kitchen hall, four bathrooms, a toilet, and a corridor on each floor. The well-appointed kitchen is equipped with dishes, pots, pans, a stove, and a water purifier.
Due to the limited number of occupants, the manager notes they've only hired a cleaner and a night-shift security guard. Operational costs incur a monthly loss of approximately ten million dong, potentially escalating to 50 million with increased occupancy, Mr. Tuan reveals.
On the morning of June 19, Mr. Tuan visited and inquired about a patient from Lam Dong who had recently arrived for nearly a week. The majority of patients being treated here are battling cancer, each accompanied by a caring relative.
According to Mr. Tuan, the registration process is straightforward; patients only need to present their citizen identification and relevant medical records. “Our goal in constructing free housing is to help alleviate their poverty and reduce a portion of the cost burden,” he emphasized.
Mrs. Le Thi Kim Linh, originally from Binh Dinh, provides sustenance to her husband through a tube. Both are the inaugural guests at the homestay since its inception. Her husband, grappling with throat cancer, requires prolonged treatment.
The 57-year-old woman shared that upon their arrival in Saigon, they initially lodged in a 5 m2 motel for 100,000 VND per day, just enough for two people. “It’s spacious and airy here, so it’s very comfortable. The house provides all essential amenities, and it can save a few million in rent each month,” Ms. Linh expressed.
In the neighboring bed, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Linh (40 years old, from Khanh Hoa) attends to her husband with tongue cancer. Each time they visited the city, they preferred staying in the comfort of their home for one to two weeks.
In her hometown, she held a job as a worker while her husband tended to the fields to support their three children and elderly mother. Since she embarked on her journey to the city for treatment, her children have been taking care of each other, particularly the youngest child who was sent to stay with her grandmother. The family had to borrow 200 million VND from relatives and the bank for the ongoing treatment. “Every day, managing the patient's feeding alone costs about 300,000 VND. Fortunately, with the free accommodation, the burden is less. Many thanks to the owner,” she expressed. ($1=24,000 VND)
In the 1.5m-wide corridor, Mr. and Mrs. Phan Van Hai from An Giang share a charitable lunch. Mr. Hai, a 53-year-old man, cooks extra vegetables and meat for his wife who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for two years and needs an extended period of treatment. In the countryside, both husband and wife work as hired laborers, channeling all their earnings into medicine for their wives.
With no relatives to look after her, Le Thi Sang, 41, quietly enjoys her lunch in the corner of her bed. She is battling stage two uterine cancer, and her husband faced an accident in the hospital in Tay Ninh. Consequently, she traveled to the city alone for treatment.
“Here, the support from healthy individuals extends to buying food, cooking, and engaging in conversation, making me feel less lonely,” shared Ms. Sang.
In each room, the proprietor has installed a complimentary food station stocked with instant noodles, rice, milk, fruit, and more—generously supported by friends.
Currently, the upper floor's remaining rooms await occupants. “In the near future, as more individuals arrive, I plan to collaborate with a charitable kitchen, providing gifts or celebrating birthdays for the patients,” shared the manager.
In proximity to the guesthouse, 35-year-old Nguyen Van Tuan has been working as a motorbike taxi driver since the facility's inception, transporting patients to the doctor. He recounted an incident where another motorbike taxi driver deceived a patient, charging an exorbitant fee of 300,000 VND for a short trip. “I charge only 10,000 VND, which is sufficient for gas. Anyone asking for groceries and medicine gets it for free,” affirmed Tuan.
Ms. Sang performed an incense ritual in front of the Bodhisattva statue arranged at the entrance to the residence.
As per a representative from the People’s Committee of Long Thanh My Ward, with the commencement of the charitable hostel, the local community will provide support for temporary accommodation and assist challenging patients in navigating the city, ensuring they feel secure during their stay and treatment.
Photo: Internet (vnexpress)
Posted by: Hằng Nguyễn
Keywords: Free 300-bed hostel for impoverished patients
