Vietnamese peacekeepers of the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 are presented with UN Peacekeeping medals at a ceremony held in Bentiu, South Sudan, on March 15. — Photo Nguyễn Đảm

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese peacekeepers of the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 in South Sudan have been honoured with United Nations Peacekeeping medals for outstanding contributions during a year-long mission.  

A ceremony was held in Bentiu on March 15 to present the 63 peacekeepers with the medals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Trịnh Mỹ Hoà, director of the hospital, said since it opened in March 2011, the hospital provided medical examination and treatment for more than 1,400 patients who were UN staff and residents, successfully conducted more than 16 complicated surgeries and transported 15 emergency cases by air.

The hospital has applied many new techniques in diagnosis and treatment for patients in line with the field conditions and done well in COVID-19 prevention and control and vaccination, providing oxygen and treating medical waste for level 1 hospitals in the peacekeeping mission area.

It has also implemented environmentally friendly campaigns and conducted professional exchanges and training sessions to strengthen medical knowledge and skills.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hiroko Hirahara, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Bentiu Field Office and Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi, Acting Commander of UN forces in South Sudan, said they appreciated the hospital’s contributions, dedication and professionalism.

“We are very pleased with the positive feedback on what the field hospital of Việt Nam has done. I deeply acknowledge and highly appreciate your achievements," said Hiroko.

Brigadier General Dhananjay Joshi applauded the field hospital for its participation in civil-military cooperation activities, including HIV/AIDS consultancy, support for hospitals in Bentiu, sharing of medicine and equipment for local authorities and donating school supplies for local pupils.

Colonel Waleed Elazizy, Chief of the Military Medicine of the UNMISS, said despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the field hospital had played an important role in preventing and controlling the pandemic at Bentiu base.

They have taken effective measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic, ensuring a safe environment for patients. UN staff here feel safe and comfortable when they come to the field hospital for treatment, he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Phạm Tân Phong, Commander of the Vietnamese peacekeeping forces in South Sudan, expressed his deep gratitude for the support and assistance of UNMISS, UN agencies and other units stationed in South Sudan. — VNS