On November 29, Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital commemorated its 60th Traditional Day (December 1, 1964 – December 1, 2024) and was honored to receive the Second-Class Labor Order. Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San, a member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of National Defense, attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony.

On December 1, 1964, amid the intense struggle of the American War for national liberation, the Burn Department of Military Hospital 103 was established to address the urgent need for treating wounded soldiers and veterans. Formed from the existing Surgical Department, it began with an initial team of 18 members, led by Professor, Dr. Le The Trung as the Head of the Department, and Dr. Nguyen Huy Dai serving as the Secretary of the Party Cell.

Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San Delivers Speech at the Ceremony

With the end of the war and the restoration of peace across the country, there arose a pressing need for a leading unit to guide and develop the specialty of burn treatment. On April 25, 1991, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers signed a decision to establish the National Burn Institute, named after the esteemed physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong Le Huu Trac. This institute was founded based on the Burn Department at Military Hospital 103 and served as the predecessor of the current Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital. It is tasked with being the leading institution in the country and is one of two practical hospitals affiliated with Vietnam Military Medical University.

Attendees at the Anniversary Ceremony.

In his commemorative speech, Major General, Professor, Dr. Nguyen Nhu Lam, Director of Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital, emphasized the invaluable legacy of the heroic Burn Department and acknowledged the support from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, and Vietnam Military Medical University, alongside local units and communities. He noted that hospital staff, soldiers, and workers have united to overcome challenges effectively and fulfil their assigned duties.

The hospital’s treatment quality has consistently improved, with significant advancements in comprehensive patient care, contributing to higher survival rates and better quality of life, allowing patients to reintegrate into the community more successfully. Numerous new and modern techniques have been implemented in burn treatment, reconstructive surgery, wound healing, and rehabilitation.

On behalf of the President, Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San awarded the Second Class Labor Medal to Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital.

As the hospital has developed, its human resources and scientific expertise have continuously strengthened. The institution now boasts four professors, ten associate professors, twenty-five doctors of philosophy, thirty-seven master’s degree holders, eleven advanced specialists, three People’s Doctors, and nine Excellent Physicians. Its infrastructure is well-equipped and progressively meets the criteria for a specialized hospital of exceptional status.

In recognition of its achievements, the hospital has received numerous honors and prestigious titles from the Party and State, including being named a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces twice, receiving the First Class Independence Medal, the Third Class Military Merit Medal, and first, second, and third class Combat Medals.

Major General Nguyen Nhu Lam Delivers Commemorative Speech

During the anniversary ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San commended the achievements of Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital over its 60 years of establishment and growth. He noted that the hospital has established its reputation and standing both nationally and internationally. The hospital’s staff, doctors, and soldiers have continuously strived, overcoming hardships and sacrifices to effectively protect, care for, and enhance the health of military personnel and the public, successfully fulfilling their assigned duties.

Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San also praised the hospital for proactively enhancing domestic and international cooperation in training and scientific research. The advanced burn treatment techniques, reconstructive surgeries, and wound healing methods adopted at the hospital have proven effective, contributing to improving the skills and experience of the staff and medical professionals and bolstering the hospital’s reputation and status.

Delegates Capture Commemorative Photos

The Deputy Minister of National Defense urged Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital to comprehensively enhance the quality of its medical expertise while diversifying its healthcare services. He emphasized the importance of applying advanced scientific and technological innovations in diagnosis, emergency care, and treatment. Additionally, he stressed the need for a close integration of treatment with scientific research and training, ensuring timely responses to disasters and emergencies, especially in high-tech warfare readiness.

The hospital should focus on developing training programs based on competency and output standards, utilizing advanced and effective teaching methods. Maintaining its reputation as a trusted institution for healthcare training is vital.

Furthermore, the hospital is encouraged to continue supporting the military’s rear policies and assistance for those with meritorious service. It should provide medical care for policy beneficiaries and the impoverished, especially in remote and border areas, and actively participate in movements aimed at gratitude, poverty alleviation, and disaster recovery. Ensuring the fulfillment of policies and continuously improving the material and spiritual life of its staff and soldiers is essential.

On this occasion, Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San presented the Second Class Labor Medal to Le Huu Trac National Burn Hospital on behalf of the President.

News and images: Le Hieu, Translator: Le Vien Lan Huong