 Vietnamese and Chinese officials attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new health station in Hai Son commune, Quang Ninh province, March 18, 2026. (Photo: VOV) |
The new two-storey health station in Po Hen village, which broke ground in the middle of this month, will cover more than 2,400 square meters, including areas for medical services, administration, and basic support infrastructure. The project is a gift from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense to people in Hai Son border commune, as part of the 10th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange in Quang Ninh.
The old Hai Son health station was small and had basic equipment, according to Doctor Vu Dinh Quyen, the head of the station. “The facility only offered basic check-ups and ultrasound, so it could meet only part of local healthcare needs,” he said.
 General Phan Van Giang, Vietnamese Minister of National Defense (R) and Admiral Dong Jun, Chinese Minister of National Defense visit Hai Son commune, Quang Ninh, March 18, 2026. (Photo: VOV) |
As a result, providing healthcare for local residents has been challenging. "We had to travel to Mong Cai Medical Center or the provincial hospital for treatment," San Moc Sang, a San Chi ethnic resident of Po Hen Village, said.
The project has been welcomed by the local community from the start. A local said the new health station will save time and costs, and reduce the need to travel to higher-level hospitals, adding it will also benefit nearby communes.
Another local said, "We are very happy to have a new health station, new equipment, and better healthcare."
For local healthcare workers, the new facility is a strong source of motivation, helping them stay committed to their work. One resident said that improved facilities are expected to strengthen primary healthcare services in the community while another said he is very happy about the new health station and deeply grateful to the Party, the State, and the Vietnam People's Army for building such a modern facility.
 Le Van Cuong, Chairman of the Hai Son Commune People’s Committee, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new health station in Hai Son commune. (Photo: VOV) |
The two-million-USD project is being implemented with a strong commitment to early completion. Once finished, it will serve 160 households or 615 people, and become a key healthcare hub for ethnic communities in Hai Son border commune.
"We will work closely with relevant parties to complete the construction on time and put it into service soon," Le Van Cuong, Chairman of the Hai Son Commune People’s Committee, said.
"We are committed to strengthening solidarity and building a Vietnam-China border of peace, friendship, and cooperation."