The "preemie children's festival," organized by Vinmec, recently brought together nearly 50 premature babies and their families at Vinmec Times City International General Hospital. Held on the 7th floor, the event responded to World Prematurity Day on 17/11, offering a reunion for families with the doctors and nurses who provided care from their first days in incubators. This gathering celebrated the resilience of these children and honored the medical professionals.

Resilience on the Brink of Life

The festival underscored the miraculous journeys of many children, exemplified by the moving story of Nguyen Xuan Tuyen's family. Seven years ago, his two daughters, Ha Vi and Ha Chau, were born at just 24 weeks, weighing only 600 and 650 grams respectively. Their weak breaths and slow heartbeats offered a fragile hope for survival. After intensive treatment and many days on ventilators, one of the two babies developed a large patent ductus arteriosus, requiring surgical intervention.

Ha Vi with her father on her return to Vinmec. *Photo: Vinmec*

Professor, doctor Nguyen Thanh Liem, director of Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and gene Technology, successfully performed the surgery. Post-operation, the baby received intensive resuscitation and was gradually weaned off the ventilator. "Seeing my tiny children, I didn't dare to hope much, but miraculously, they overcame it. That journey remains a miracle to this day," Mr. Tuyen shared.

Ha Vi is now as healthy as any other child, a testament to the extraordinary resilience of premature infants. The story of twins Mit (1,4 kg) and Na (1,7 kg), born prematurely at 33 weeks, also resonated with many attendees. The two children sent handwritten letters, expressing gratitude to their doctors and nurses, whom they called "unsung heroes" for nurturing every heartbeat and breath, and for supporting their family through difficult times.

Children participating in activities at the preemie children's festival. *Photo: Vinmec*

Beyond honoring the medical team, the festival provided an opportunity for parents to reflect on their children's incredible journeys. Images of babies in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubators, tiny hands being cherished, and the anxious eyes of parents from those initial days evoked deep emotion among participants.

During the event, doctors conducted general examinations, including weighing, measuring, and assessing the physical development of premature babies previously treated in the Neonatology department, using the Denver II developmental assessment scale. Children also engaged in games, wrote wishes on the "Tree of Light", and received gifts.

Doctor Mai Kieu Anh emphasized the strong bond formed: "Before the festival, we were as excited as waiting for a loved one to return after a long separation. The relationship between doctors and these children is not just doctor-patient but like family members. Today, seeing them play and develop normally, the joy and pride are indescribable."

Standards in Medical Care

Vinmec Times City's Neonatology department has admitted 32,162 children, including 1,230 premature infants, achieving a survival rate of 97,54%. This success is attributed to the coordinated efforts of the Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Neonatology specialties, combined with precise techniques.

Vinmec stands as a leading institution in premature infant care, particularly for extremely premature babies, demonstrating a low rate of severe complications. This capability stems from synchronized technology, advanced equipment, standardized treatment protocols, and a close one-nurse-one-child care model. All premature infants receive timely monitoring and intervention, which limits complications and establishes a strong foundation for their long-term development.

Witnessing children who were once no bigger than a hand now running and laughing loudly in the hall, professor, doctor Tran Trung Dung, general director of Vinmec Healthcare System, expressed a profound appreciation for Vinmec's mission. He stated that every life preserved is a culmination of knowledge, perseverance, and boundless love. "These children - our little warriors - are the motivation for us to continue elevating Vietnamese medicine, so that miracles can be written every day," professor Tran Trung Dung affirmed.

The Dan