Vietnam has had 14 liver transplant cases so far, 50 percent of which were performed by the HCM City-based Children’s Hospital No 2.
Hospital Deputy Director Truong Quang Dinh said that although hospital fees are partly covered by health insurance, VND265 million for a liver transplant surgery is still too high for most patients. To help more kids have access to liver operations, the hospital is about to set up a fund. Annually, around 50 children in Vietnam needs liver transplant surgeries. The first operation in the southern region was conducted by the HCM City Children’s Hospital No.2 in December 2005. The first case, a baby girl, is now 4 years old and she is very healthy. All seven liver transplant operations at Children’s Hospital No 2 have had the participation of two Belgian doctors. Acknowledging the contribution of the two Belgium professors from the Louvain University for the city’s health sector, the HCM City authorities have presented certificates of merit and insignias to them.
