July 27, the day dedicated to war invalids and martyrs, is just another normal day at Thuận Thành War Invalid Nursing Centre in the northern province of Bắc Ninh.

CHECK-UP: War invalids at the centre receive healthcare. VNA/VNS Photos Anh Tuấn

The centre hosts the largest number of war invalids in the north and is home to the most seriously affected invalids.

Established in 1965, the centre has received and taken care of more than 1,000 war invalids who returned from throughout the country.

OLD PALS: The centre gathers the largest number and most seriously wounded war invalids in the north

Nguyễn Khắc Dư, director of the centre, said after some time being treated at the centre, most of the invalids have recovered part of their health and their working capability.

HELPING HAND: The staff are happy to help the invalids.

Those who recover are then brought home to be looked after by their families.

Dư said the average age of the people being treated here is 66.

RELAXING: Most of the war invalids are of an old age.

“90 per cent of invalids we are hosting now have injuries in their spines and are paralysed in half of the body, while 10 per cent of them suffered from injuries in other parts of their bodies like in arms, legs and eyes,” Dư said.

Many of the invalids have other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, bladder stones or hepatitis, he said.

They are supported by nurses, doctors and staff at the centre in all aspects of life.

CHECK MATE: The war invalids play social games at the centre

“The staff here are so enthusiastic,” said Thèn Văn Sáng, 68, from the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, who was wounded severely in 1974 during the liberation war.

“They live with us and help us like my family members. I just press on the bell when I need something and someone will come immediately. I’m moved by their cares and consider the centre my second home.” VNS