Launched in 2008 by the Vietnamese Loving Heart Fund of Vietnam Television (VTV) in cooperation with Viettel Group, Operation Healthy Heart aims to help poor children with congenital heart disease live healthy lives. “Around the world, there are very few television networks that can dedicate a weekly broadcast purely for charity, sustained over the years. I can corroborate that; it is rare”, said journalist Tran Dang Tuan.
“This is an extremely humanitarian, compassionate, and socially meaningful program. I once told Mr. Tran Dang Tuan that by taking part in this program, we are also contributing to poverty reduction”, said Major General Duong Van Tinh, former Deputy General Director of Viettel Group.
Ly Chu Bang – a a beneficiary of the Operation Healthy Heart heart surgery
After 17 years, Operation Healthy Heart has achieved a wide-reaching impact. More than 200 billion VND has been raised from organizations, individuals, and VTV audiences, helping over 7,800 patients receive screening and life-saving heart surgery.
After learning about the program on VTV, Ly Chu Bang’s younger sister applied for support on his behalf. A miracle came to the young man, who was full of dreams and ambitions. “I had gone for a check-up beforehand. When I received the news that I would have surgery, I felt as if I was given a new life, with a great new hope”, Ly Chu Bang recalled.
Fifteen years after his heart surgery, Ly Chu Bang now has a stable job as a pharmacist. He also has a happy family, with his wife and a seven-month-old child. “I work with all my heart. My heart was saved by the Operation Healthy Heart program, and I want to use my strength to be of service to others”, he shared.
“Operation Healthy Heart came to me like a miracle. Without it, I don’t know if the Ly Chu Bang you see today would exist”, he said.
