Disabled Ethnic Minority Kids Get Free Surgery in Son La

Provincial authorities and the Centre for Vietnamese Disabled Children paid for 150 disabled ethnic minority children's surgeries in the northern mountainous province of Son La between November 3 and 10. The provincial Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs; the centre; and the provincial General Hospital collaborated to provide the surgery. The procedures cost about VND1.5 million ($70) per patient, and are covered by health insurance. The beneficiaries also receive VND300,000 ($14) from the National Fund for Vietnamese Children. (Vietnam News Nov 8)