Đàm Điệt, 92 (second from left), and his wife (first from left) with a souvenir photo from their local authority for his contribution to the fight against COVID-19. —VNA/VNS Photo

NGHỆ AN — Đàm Điệt is no stranger to times of national crisis - the former military doctor fought against the French and the Americans as a young man. Now, the 92-year-old from Nghệ An Province has donated his life savings to his local COVID-19 prevention and control fund. 

“It is a large amount of money for my family as it is my pension accumulated for many years, but it is only a grain of sand compared to the money the State has spent against the pandemic for the past two years," he said.

Điệt and his wife have donated VNĐ100 million (US$4,390) to Hưng Thông Commune in Hưng Nguyên District to support doctors, nurses and those who are fighting on the frontlines.

Điệt and his wife live in a small house in Hồng Phong Village. They have maintained a simple and healthy lifestyle. The two have regularly followed the news on the COVID-19 pandemic in their province and across the country.

As a young man, Điệt worked as a military doctor at the Nursing Center of War Invalids in Nghệ An Province. He married Lê Thị Hồng, a local teacher, and together they had four children. He retired at the age of 60.

Điệt said his children now have their own families and live in other provinces, so he and his wife take care of each other.

Điệt said he has seen the efforts of doctors and nurses across the country to fight the pandemic and protect people's health over the past two years and couldn't sit by. 

As a military doctor, Điệt wanted to lend a hand in the fight against the pandemic, but his health was not good enough. He decided to help in another way.

“All of my family have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. I think that my family have received great attention from the State. Therefore, I decided to contribute to combating the pandemic,” he said.

On December 29, Điệt walked to the communal People's Committee and handed over his saving to local leaders.

Điệt’s decision was strongly supported by his wife and children. Hồng said his support was practical and meaningful, so she agreed with his act wholeheartedly.   

She said she hoped the money would be spent properly.

Nguyễn Hữu Phúc, chairman of the communal People's Committee, said local people had contributed their finances and efforts to fight against the pandemic, but Điệt’s case was quite special as the two were old and not well-off.

“It’s a spiritual encouragement for the local government and medical staff. We are committed to effectively and properly using the money,” he said.

The committee has awarded a certificate of merit to Điệt. — VNS