Quảng Ngãi launches Program for Free Congenital Heart Screenings and Surgery Support for Disadvantaged Children

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The Chairman of the Quảng Ngãi Provincial People’s Committee has recently signed Decision No. 947/QĐ-UBND approving the implementation of the program “Screening for Congenital Heart Disease and Financial Support for Cardiac Surgery and Intervention for Children Under 16 from Poor, Near-Poor, and Disadvantaged Households in Quảng Ngãi Province.”

The program is funded by the international non-profit organization "Giving It Back To Kids (GIBTK)".

The program will be implemented from 2025 to 2027, with the Quảng Ngãi Provincial Children's Protection Fund designated as the lead implementing agency.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to: Provide early screening and necessary medical support for children under 16 suffering from congenital heart disease and living in poor, near-poor, or difficult circumstances; improve the health and quality of life of affected children, enabling better integration into society; raise public awareness of congenital heart disease and promote shared responsibility for children's cardiovascular health; build and maintain long-term relationships with patients and their families, offering continued encouragement and timely assistance when possible; andcontribute to fulfilling Quảng Ngãi Province’s child welfare goals for the 2025–2030 period, ensuring children's rights are upheld.

Expected Outcomes

Each year, the program is expected to: provide free congenital heart screenings for approximately 5,000 children under 16 across the province; cover all medical expenses for cardiac surgery or intervention for around 75 eligible children annually, including support for meals, travel, and the first two post-surgery check-ups; ensure post-operative monitoring and timely intervention in case of complications; provide emotional and educational support to children and consider further assistance where possible, easing the financial burden on families and enhancing the province’s overall social welfare.

Implementation and Coordination

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The Department of Health has assigned the Provincial Children’s Protection Fund to: coordinate with GIBTK and relevant agencies to plan and execute the program in compliance with Vietnamese laws and commitments to the donor; manage finances, monitor implementation, and evaluate program outcomes; maintain public order and safety during program operations; report regularly to the Provincial People’s Committee.

GIBTK, as the donor and implementation partner, will: work closely with the Children’s Protection Fund and medical institutions to carry out the program as per the approved aid document; pay surgery costs directly to the hospitals and provide direct support for children’s food and transportation; comply with Vietnam’s financial and legal regulations, including Decree No. 80/2020/ND-CP on the management of non-official development assistance and Decree No. 58/2022/ND-CP on registration and management of foreign NGOs.

The Office of the Provincial People’s Committee, in collaboration with the Provincial Police, will oversee GIBTK’s activities, ensure legal compliance, and facilitate effective cooperation and aid mobilization in accordance with applicable government regulations.

M.H