Hanoi (VNA)𒈔 – Some 26 experts from the Republic of Korea (RoK) completed surgeries for 116 Vietnamese children with facial deformities in the central province of Quang Ngai from June 18-23. 

The programme was a joint effort between the RoK SK Group, the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, and a Korean medical volunteer organisation. Baek Rong-min, Professor of Plastic Surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, along with a group of doctors and medical workers from Vietnam and the RoK, and members of the SK Sunny Volunteer Student Group joined the programme. On June 24, during a State visit of RoK President Yoon Suk Yeol to Vietnam, the President’s spouse Kim Keon Hee visited the Central Military Hospital 108 in Hanoi, which joined the programme this year, to encourage medical teams to support this effort. Prof. Baek expressed his profound thanks to the entire team of doctors from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Military Hospital 108, and especially SK Group for accompanying them throughout this journey. He said he feels proud and happy at seeing the children from previous surgeries grow up and express their gratitude. The majority of children with facial deformities suffer from cleft lips and cleft palates. Early surgical intervention is crucial to stop food reflux into the nose, affecting respiration and impeding physical growth, but also support social development, with speech, appearance and self-confidence. Initiated in Vietnam in 1996, the activity has run annually in 17 localities with the message of bringing smiles to the children. It has been recognized as a model programme for its outcomes and sustainability. Over the past 27 years, the SK Group has restored the smiles of a total of 4,273 Vietnamese children, at a total cost of over 73 billion VND (3.1 million USD). In particular, the programme not only brings happiness to the children and their families but also holds significance for strengthening healthcare cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK. This is achieved through the exchange of experience between medical teams during the surgical process, as well as the RoK donations of medical equipment to Vietnam for use in the programme. The sharing of experience and donations not only makes the programme more than just an event but also assists Vietnamese hospitals in having sufficient capacity and equipment to carry out post-operative examinations and treatments, as well as perform surgeries independently. A member of the SK Group said over the past years, the programme has truly brought smiles and happiness, as well as improved the health and well-being of Vietnamese children. These experiences serve as a foundation for the children to confidently embark on their journey of life and become a strong force in various fields, thus fostering the partnership between Vietnam and the RoK./.