BA. Nguyen Thi Minh Tam
Director's secretary, Tu Du Hospital

Dr. Pham Viet Thanh Director of the Health service of HCMC,  former Director of Tu Du hospital

In the morning of August 5, 2011, the Director Board of Tu Du hospital celebrated a ceremony  to confer “HO CHI MINH award” (from HCM. City People’s Committee) on Mr. Nishimura Yoichi (Japan) for his spiritually and materially contribution to handicapped children in Vietnam who are affected by Agent Orange, being brought up in the Hoa Binh village – Tu Du.

As a teacher – members of Negaukai, a peace-loving, war protester, NGO (non-governmental organization) of Japan, activist for the rights of handicapped persons caused  by war, especially the victims of toxic chemical dioxin. For over 10 years, Mr. Nishimura Yoichi has actively his charitable activities in order to mobilize funds in support of the people in the regions affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam and around the world.

Especially after retirement (2002), Mr. Nishimura Yoichi has spent plenty of time to help handicapped children in Vietnam. In his retirement, he has supported the training of physical therapy, upgraded housing, classrooms, and set up educational Scholarship Fund for handicapped children – victims of Agent Orange at Hoa Binh village – Tu Du.

In the cordial atmosphere of the ceremony, Dr. Pham Viet Thanh - Director of the Health service of HCMC, former Director of Tu Du hospital has expressed his appreciations for the Vietnam - Japan friendship growing over the years, from the successful surgery of twins Viet-Duc at Tu Du Hospital in 1988. War has receded into the past, however, the victims of Agent Orange remains forever the pain of consequences on future generations.