Wholehearted white-blouse soldiers

The image of white-blouse soldiers in masks and protective suits has become a symbol of the gun-free battle against COVID-19.

In an effort to reduce the medical burden amid the complicated developments of the pandemic, Central Military Hospital 108 is joining hands with other treatment medical centers and hospitals across the country to treat COVID-19 patients.

Members of the hospital's Social Affair Department have the mission of providing mental support for patients, their families and healthcare staff at the Infectious Disease Department A4C.

It is widely known that the health sector is trying its best to maintain a crucial and leading role in this battle. Facing countless difficulties, healthcare workers have to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including providing advisory proposals to the Party and Government in the fight against the pandemic. Ones must witness their hardships and listen to their sharing and see admiration for them multiplied. They are wholeheartedly devoted to the important national mission of giving the best care and treatment to COVID-19 patients, especially when no family members are allowed to stay near them.

In a short break, Ms. Dung, a nurse from the International Department who joined the reinforcement team at the COVID-19 patient treatment area, showed her eyes filled with homesickness. It has been nearly two months since her crew, mostly women, entered the treatment area and were far from their families. Despite the risks of being infected, they all wholeheartedly make every single effort to save patients' lives. "This is the battle in peacetime. Many other doctors and nurses are working hard to fight against the pandemic, not just my team. Once choosing the job of saving lives, we must put our heart and soul into it. It is the responsibility and the duty of serving the people and it is from the heart of the doctors," Dung said.

For severe COVID-19 patients, all of their daily activities from eating to sleeping and bathing, etc. must be done with the support of nurses. All COVID-19 patients share the same fear and loneliness despite their different backgrounds. Doctors and nurses, therefore, are their friends and help them contact with their families.

Dzung could not hide her excitement and pride when sharing successful treatment of severe cases. Doctors sometimes have to explain to the family and warn them of bad situations. Thanks to the dedication of the doctors and nurses, a lot of patients have "come back from the dead." The red line signaling the "isolation area" where COVID-19 patients are treated marks the thin line between life and death. As for COVID-19 patients, the journey to win the disease is not the same because each person has distinctive health and physical conditions. The only thing that helps them overcome the hard times is the doctors' sharing and love.

Miracle does not come easy, but it may be easier with the doctor's efforts and the patients’ aspiration to live.

Translated by Minh Hieu – Thu Ha – Khanh Linh – Thuy Mai