REPORT ACTIVITIES AT KINH 7 CHARITY CLINIC
(A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION IN SOUTH VIETNAM)
Kinh 7, February 3, 2024
The following report provides an overview of the operations and practices of Kinh 7 Charity Clinic, where Dr. Pham Vu Thuy serves as the director. This clinic, renowned for its specialization in treating musculoskeletal pain, operates in a remote area of Vietnam and relies on donations to provide care to its patients.
Pham Vu Thuy, a medical doctor, PhD holder, and priest, is dedicated to serving at the remote clinic hospital of Kinh 7 charity clinic, renowned across Vietnam for its specialization in musculoskeletal pain treatment. Patients primarily seek relief from muscle-related issues, enabling the clinic to streamline certain sanitary measures. Unique therapies offered here distinguish it from other clinics globally, accommodating approximately 300 patients, some of whom stay overnight for treatment. Operating chiefly on donations, particularly from Western sources, the clinic employs 6 doctors and 45 technicans, nurses and chemists and operates as a walk-in facility, prioritizing patient accessibility. As the clinic director, Pham Vu Thuy commences his day at 4:00 a.m. with mass, followed by patient consultations starting around 7:00 a.m. He dedicates approximately 6 hours every day to examine and monitor patients and staff alike. Weekly meetings provide updates on clinic operations and patient care, emphasizing the significance of patient history and oral treatments in diagnosis and treatment plans. Pham Vu Thuy prohibits staff from accepting gifts to maintain fairness in treatment processes. Despite demanding conditions, with staff working 10-hour days, 6 days a week for a $300 monthly salary, there's a sense of pride among them due to the clinic's efficacy. Despite lower sanitary precautions compared to American standards, the clinic's reputation attracts patients globally.
At the clinic, notable differences stand out, such as the prevalent use of notebooks by doctors to maintain patient records and treatment histories, contrasting with the electronic systems common in American healthcare settings. Here, diagnosis, therapies, and medication are promptly administered on-site, a departure from the staggered approach often seen in American hospitals. Despite the high patient volume, the clinic operates with remarkable efficiency, striving to minimize maintenance costs to offer affordable care as it operates as a charity clinic. Within the doctor's office, one chair is designated for the patient while 3-4 chairs accommodate waiting patients, allowing for shared information on diagnoses and treatments. Patients actively engage in their diagnosis and treatment processes, displaying a profound trust in their doctors, which differs from the dynamic observed in American healthcare. Viewing healthcare as a social issue rather than an individual concern fosters strong doctor-patient relationships rooted in trust. Moreover, the clinic acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in therapies and treatments, yet adopts a pragmatic approach, handling setbacks without unnecessary stress or upheaval, ensuring continued focus on patient well-being.
The facility comprises multiple rooms, each offering diverse treatments for individual patients, typically lasting around 30 minutes per session. Room 7 specializes in muscle stimulation, waves, and magnetic frequency therapy, housing three distinct machines targeting various aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Two machines primarily utilize electricity for muscle stimulation, differing in their electrical input methods, with one featuring a single-way electrical impulse convertible into different strengths, and the other operating on a dual-circuit system with a single voltage. Additionally, sound is employed to stimulate muscles, tailored to each patient's specific needs, enabling physically disabled patients to select therapies suitable for their conditions without compromising effectiveness. The therapy's efficacy extends to healthcare professionals who use it to alleviate their own pain.
In Room 8, paraffin bundle therapy is the focus, accompanied by hot water and electrical therapy to address pain and soreness in two specific body regions. Melted paraffin is used to relax and alleviate hand discomfort, while hot water soothes foot pain and stiffness, aiding in muscle relaxation. Paraffin's advantage lies in its reusability once dried, offering easier removal compared to candle wax. An electrical feet stimulation machine is also employed to stimulate the feet, primarily catering to less severe cases of chronic pain compared to other therapy rooms. Personally, experiencing the paraffin treatment felt akin to encasing the hand in candle wax and allowing it to dry, while electrical foot therapy ranged from uncomfortable at higher settings to deeply relaxing at lower intensities.
In Room 9, intravascular laser therapy, while not commonly used for direct treatment of muscle pain, can indirectly aid in managing certain muscle-related conditions. One application involves targeting trigger points, which are areas of taut muscle fibers often associated with chronic muscle pain. By directing laser energy to these points, the therapy aims to alleviate muscle tension and discomfort. Additionally, laser therapy may play a role in promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and mitigating pain as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Furthermore, for chronic pain conditions involving muscle dysfunction, laser therapy might help address underlying tissue abnormalities or inflammation contributing to the discomfort. While intravascular laser therapy offers potential benefits for muscle-related issues, brain tissues its effectiveness varies depending on individual circumstances, necessitating consultation with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
In Room 10, known for its ozone and hydraulic aspect therapy, nurses administer injections directly into patients' joints to alleviate pain. These injections are precisely targeted at specific locations, focusing on areas affected by particular blood vessels and muscles to relieve pressure and discomfort. Patients experiencing stomach pain receive similar injections, albeit in different locations. Due to limitations in local production capabilities, the medication is imported from abroad at a reasonable cost. Ozone therapy involves injecting ozone into joints that have diminished in size, providing essential nutrients to cells for cartilage regeneration, particularly beneficial for spinal joint health. This comprehensive approach addresses pain management and promotes joint health, enhancing the overall well-being of patients undergoing treatment in this room.
In Room 11, the Neck/Back Pull room, a weight pull therapy is employed to stretch patients' spinal column, fostering relaxation in the muscles and nerves surrounding the spinal column. Three distinct machines facilitate this therapy: a back brace, a neck brace, and a manual muscle stretcher, each designed to target specific nerves and muscles in designated areas of the body. While the neck and arm braces operate with minimal supervision, the manual muscle stretcher requires the expertise of specialized nurses, akin to chiropractors, trained to administer targeted treatments. Some cases may necessitate doctor supervision for precise targeting of pressure points and nerves. Notably, wheelchair-bound patients frequently undergo manual muscle stretching to address damaged back muscles and nerves, seeking specialized treatments to enhance strength in this region. Many patients find the therapy so relaxing that they drift off to sleep during sessions.
Room 12 specializes in acupuncture, encompassing both laser and traditional methods, alongside sound vibrations therapy. Patients primarily undergo acupuncture targeting specific nerves of the back, followed by the transmission of electricity throughout the system. For individuals with skin conditions that impede traditional acupuncture effectiveness, laser acupuncture serves as a less invasive alternative. Additionally, the room features equipment emitting sound vibrations, aimed at achieving more precise targeting compared to other machine sounds. This comprehensive approach caters to diverse patient needs, addressing various ailments with tailored treatments for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
In Room 13, patients recline in specialized chairs designed for spinal health. There are two types of chairs available: one resembling a standard chair that aids in straightening the spine, and another, a relaxing chair that stretches the spine while supporting the chest and its weight. Both chairs target specific parts of the spine, facilitating spinal alignment and joint spacing. The room features a program running in the background, educating patients on the importance of spinal health in relieving pressure and preventing complications. Additionally, the program offers therapeutic and home techniques to alleviate pain in various areas of the body. Patients are instructed on proper walking techniques, particularly beneficial for individuals with weak legs, emphasizing a sweeping motion while walking. The program also highlights specific joints contributing to bodily pain, particularly those in the legs and arms, emphasizing the correlation between vascular issues and pain occurrence.
In Room 14, patients are positioned on a bed with a neck rest providing support for proper spinal alignment. Doctors customize the placement of orthopedic pillows based on each patient's specific needs, targeting areas of concern within the spine, nerves, and muscles. Patients typically spend around 120 minutes in the room, during which doctors meticulously adjust orthopedic pillows to ensure optimal positioning for spinal health. This tailored approach aims to alleviate pain stemming from improper spinal alignment, particularly in the limbs. Medical staff vigilantly monitor patients in this room to guarantee they remain in the correct position throughout their rest period, prioritizing the promotion of spinal health and overall well-being.
Room 20 serves as the X-ray facility within the clinic, comprising three smaller rooms. The largest room functions as the control room, housing all necessary controls for the X-ray equipment. Connected to this room are two smaller rooms, each equipped for different procedures. The first room captures images of the patient's bone density as they lie on the machine, providing crucial diagnostic information. The second room houses two machines capable of taking X-ray images based on the patient's positioning, whether they can stand or need to remain seated. This comprehensive setup allows for efficient and accurate imaging procedures to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning for patients.
Last but not least, the cafeteria serves as a vital component of the clinic, offering complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner to both patients and staff. Meals feature a choice between meat and vegetarian options, with the majority of vegetables sourced from local farms, a testament to community support for the clinic. Protein sources and other food items are procured through donations from Western sources. Throughout the day, the cafeteria caters to a minimum of 400 individuals, including patients and staff, with capacity increasing to accommodate up to 600 during peak periods. This provision of nutritious meals underscores the clinic's commitment to holistic care and well-being for all those within its community.
In conclusion, the Kinh 7 Charity Clinic, under the leadership of Dr. Pham Vu Thuy, stands as a beacon of hope and healing for individuals grappling with musculoskeletal pain in remote south areas of Vietnam. Through its commitment to patient-centered care, innovative treatment modalities, and reliance on charitable contributions, the clinic embodies resilience and compassion in addressing healthcare challenges. Despite operating under limited resources and challenging conditions, the clinic's unwavering dedication to efficiency, affordability, and patient well-being underscores its pivotal role in providing accessible and effective healthcare services. With a steadfast focus on fostering trust, promoting education, and delivering personalized treatments, the Kinh 7 Charity Clinic continues to uphold its mission of healing, offering solace and relief to those in need within the community.
Student Thien Nguyen, Texas, USA