Thuan Thanh Sanatorium serves as second home for wounded soldiers

Several sanatoriums have been established across Vietnam to take care of the wounded soldiers to help them overcome their hardships and recover.

Located in an area of 2.5ha in Ninh Xa commune, the sanatorium may look like a quiet retreat, but it’s  filled with sound. Some veterans sing together, some laugh while playing Chinese chess, and some scream over the trauma they suffered during wartime.

“Although we were all wounded, we’ll always keep up our spirit and virtues of Uncle Ho’s soldiers. Every day we sit together and play the guitar as a way to forget the pain even though we don’t know how to play,” said Tran Tuan Anh, who has been at the center for nearly 40 years. 

Thuan Thanh Sanatorium is home to seriously wounded soldiers. Doctor Pham Thi Pha, who has been working here for 17 years, said more than 90% of the invalids suffer from spinal column injuries or hemiplegia which can leading to chronic urinary tract infections.

Nutrition is a vital part of their recovery. Meals are mostly stewed, with lots of vegetables, less fried foods and less protein.

“The dishes are catered to 4 specific groups of diners including diabetes patients, hypertension patients, cardiovascular patients and urinary tract infection patients. The menu varies day by day and is given to the orderlies so that they can easily take care of the ex-soldiers,” said Pha.

Thanks to the good care and treatment, most veterans have recovered part of their health, mobility or capacity to work.

Veteran Bui Van Phuc said “I take daily exercise by riding a wheelchair around the center. Recently we have been taught to exercise Duong sinh, a form of breathing and yoga exercise similar to Tai Chi.”

Nguyen Khac Du, the Sanatorium’s Director, said the care and concern of organizations and individuals are a great source of encouragement for the veterans  to get past their hardships and continue a happy and useful life.

“We provide treatment for the soldiers with not only medicine, but also heart and love. For those who don’t have family members, we try to make them feel at home,” he added.

Some veterans have learnt some trades like repairing electronic appliances. They are proving that they may be down, but they are not out.