Just after 7h in the morning, Pham Tuan Bich, 90 years old, walked into his familiar coffee shop with a cane. Instead of ordering a drink, he went straight to a wooden table reconfigured as an examination desk, where a blood pressure monitor and stethoscope awaited.

A regular patient since 2020, Mr. Bich considers this his go-to place for routine check-ups for age-related ailments. Previously, whenever he needed an insurance check-up, he had to ask his children or grandchildren to take him to a hospital 10 km from his home, enduring hours of waiting.

"Since I found this place, my hospital worries are gone. I just sign in and get examined and receive medicine, without any cumbersome procedures", Mr. Bich said after completing an electrocardiogram and ultrasound in 30 minutes. He likens the clinic to a "healthcare safety net", providing peace of mind for the elderly without the need to jostle through crowds. The medical team consists of specialists currently working or retired from top-tier hospitals. If any abnormal signs are detected, doctors advise patients to visit a specialized hospital for further treatment.

Pham Tuan Bich, 90 years old, from Yen Lang street, Dong Da ward, is guided by a doctor on how to use medication, on the morning of 10/1. Photo: Quynh Nguyen

The 50 m2 space, filled with the aroma of coffee mixed with medical alcohol, is the brainchild of doctor Ngo Tuan Anh, head of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Military Central Hospital 108. Having founded the Volunteer Doctors Association in 2016, doctor Tuan Anh opened this coffee shop to generate funds for his charitable activities and to establish a fixed location to support the community.

Every saturday morning, the coffee shop ceases commercial operations, making way for approximately 15-20 medical staff and 30 patients. The core team belongs to the Volunteer Doctors Association, comprising 400 members from major hospitals such as Bach Mai, Hospital 108, Hospital 103, and Hospital E. A significant portion of this group consists of retired doctors who serve as permanent staff.

In charge of the testing area is doctor Tran Thi Luat, 62 years old, a former official at Friendship Hospital. After three years of volunteering at this clinic, she stated that the trusting eyes of impoverished patients motivate her to continue contributing her lifelong expertise.

On the ground floor, Ngo Thi Tuyen, 57 years old, from Dinh Cong, carefully notes down dosages on each medicine bag. "My children are grown; I want to dedicate my time to those who truly need me", the former military medical staff member shared.

The coffee shop on Yen Lang street, Dong Da ward, transforms into a free clinic for those in need every saturday morning. Photo: Quynh Nguyen

This coffee shop clinic model not only solves financial problems for the poor but also acts as a psychological lifeline. Hoang Thao, from Lang Ha ward, experienced extreme panic after a private clinic diagnosed her with nasopharyngeal cancer. Upon visiting this clinic, she was reassured by an ear, nose, and throat specialist from Hospital E, who, after carefully reviewing her ultrasound results, confirmed the tumor was benign. This finding was later confirmed by a tertiary hospital.

For freelance workers like Thanh Hoa, a scrap collector from Giang Vo ward, this place is a pillar of support, ensuring she "no longer has to endure pain due to financial concerns".

Doctor Do Thi Thanh, formerly of Hospital E Hanoi, examines a patient's ear at the coffee shop on Yen Lang street, Dong Da ward, on the morning of 10/1. Photo: Quynh Nguyen

"Patients only wait 5-10 minutes for their turn, which significantly reduces their psychological burden", said doctor Vu Minh Quan, 36 years old, who works at Hospital 108. Doctor Quan has been involved with the clinic since his student days.

The clinic's resources currently come from regular coffee sales revenue, fundraising projects, and partnerships with several pharmaceutical companies. Hoang Thi Bay, President of the Thinh Quang ward Red Cross Society, praised this as a practical community healthcare model, where the presence of top-tier doctors provides absolute peace of mind for local residents.

The 0 dong clinic at the coffee shop in alley 54, Yen Lang street, Dong Da ward, Hanoi, provides free examinations and medicine to residents on the morning of 10/1. Video: Quynh Nguyen

Quynh Nguyen