Heartwarming "zero-dong kitchen" of doctors, doctors use their own money to set up for patients

0 dong kitchen — Mr. Huynh Nien received a free meal cooked by doctors and medical staff of Quang Nam Central General Hospital. Photo: HOANG DAO

From early morning, the kitchen of Quang Nam Central General Hospital was lit up. Doctors, nurses, and medical staff temporarily put aside their white blouses and put on aprons. Together, they washed vegetables, cut meat, and cooked broth amid cheerful laughter. In no time, hundreds of hot noodle bowls were neatly arranged, with spoons, chopsticks, and tissues, ready to be given to poor patients. Warmer still, those who were only used to syringes and stethoscopes now kindly brought each meal to the beds.

Receiving the free meal from the nurse, Mr. Huynh Nien (Trung Chanh village, Tam My commune) could not help but be moved. His house is more than 10km from the hospital, and his family is busy making a living, so this thoughtful care is a great source of comfort, helping him feel more confident in the midst of his illness.

Mr. Nien shared: “My budget is tight so I am very happy to get a free bowl of noodles, it is delicious and warms my stomach.” He added that this is a spiritual medicine, giving him more strength to overcome his illness.

Mr. Tran Van Hung (Duy Xuyen commune) also commented that the free meals were as delicious as home-cooked meals. “Although there is only one meal per week, it is enough for patients to feel the friendliness of the doctors and nurses, their kindness, helping them to ease the difficulties when being treated at the hospital,” Mr. Hung said.

KITCHEN 0 DONG 2 — The “Zero-dong kitchen” is maintained regularly every week with 150 meals for disadvantaged patients. Photo: HOANG DAO

“Zero-dong kitchen” was born in September 2024, from the idea of a group of doctors, nurses, and staff of Quang Nam Central General Hospital, to create a spiritual gift, helping dialysis patients feel warmer and more steadfast on their journey to fight the disease.

This noble gesture quickly spread. Many discharged patients and benefactors regularly donated ingredients and funds to maintain the kitchen. Up to now, the “zero-dong kitchen” has been providing about 150 meals to inpatients every week.

Dr. Nguyen Phan Thang, Head of the Department of Nephrology - Dialysis, shared: “I believe that giving is forever. The most valuable thing is to see patients have more motivation to fight the disease. We hope that the program will continue to receive the support of the community so that more and more patients can receive quality meals.”

Source: https://baodanang.vn/am-long-bep-an-0-dong-cua-y-bac-si-bo-tien-tui-lap-cho-benh-nhan-3304988.html