On the afternoon of March 18, 2026, at Hall P of Bach Mai Hospital, a ceremony was solemnly held to mark the 10th anniversary of Vietnam Social Work Day (March 25, 2016 – March 25, 2026) - a milestone celebrating a decade of tireless dedication, of hands always ready to reach out and hold others.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, professional organizations, members of the cultural and arts community, and the leadership and staff of Bach Mai Hospital.

A promise fulfilled and journeys of gratitude

The auditorium fell into a quiet hush as the deep, resonant tones of a viola, performed by artist Nguyet Thu, filled the space. Few knew that 22 years ago, she had been a patient’s family member, caring for her mother, who was undergoing treatment for leukemia at Bach Mai Hospital.

“Witnessing the dedication of the doctors and nurses, I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would return to give thanks,” she shared emotionally.

Two decades later, that promise has come true. Nguyet Thu returned not only as a performer but also as a companion to the project “Bringing Music to Hospitals,” donating a piano placed in the lobby of the Viet Nhat Building. For her, music is a “spiritual remedy” that soothes patients and eases the burden on healthcare workers.

Sharing similar sentiments, artist Hai Anh - Vice President of the Hanoi Young Artists Association and a former patient - expressed his deep gratitude: “To return and offer my voice as a heartfelt thank-you means so much to me.”

These homecomings stand as powerful reminders of the enduring bond between the hospital, its patients, and their families - where human connection becomes a source of strength to overcome adversity.

Social work – the “extended arm” of medical ethics

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Giap, Deputy Director of Bach Mai Hospital, recalled his experiences studying in France, where he was particularly impressed by social workers who accompanied patients at their bedsides. Since then, the hospital has steadily built a professional social work network.

“Patients come to us in their most vulnerable moments. We must care for them not only with expertise, but with empathy,” he emphasized.

This spirit has been reflected in numerous meaningful initiatives such as “zero-cost shuttle rides,” “free meals,” and ongoing support for disadvantaged patients.

He cited the case of a patient with severe dermatological disease who underwent treatment for eight months as a clear example. With comprehensive support, the patient overcame the most difficult period and felt as if “given a second life.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hung, President of the Vietnam Association of Social Work in Healthcare, noted that social work at Bach Mai has evolved from charitable activities into a true professional discipline, becoming an “extended arm” of clinical care.

Strategic vision and future directions

Representing the Ministry of Health, Ms. Pham Thi Hai Ha, Deputy Director General of the Department of Social Protection, acknowledged the contributions of Bach Mai Hospital’s social work team over the past decade. She highlighted social work as a vital bridge connecting healthcare providers with patients, and the community with those in need.

The Ministry’s message underscored that social work is a noble, often quiet profession, yet plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and spreading hope.

In the coming years, the healthcare sector aims to develop social work around three key pillars:

Promoting digital transformation, including AI and big data applications
Standardizing and professionalizing the workforce
Strengthening integration of social work into comprehensive care pathways

When music becomes a healing remedy

At the ceremony, the project “Bringing Music to Hospitals” was officially launched, creating a regular musical space in the lobby of Hall P.

Piano melodies will resonate weekly - not only from professional artists, but also from healthcare workers and patients - contributing to a more humane and patient-friendly hospital environment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Giap shared that, under the theme “Innovation – Professionalism – Growth and Breakthrough,” Bach Mai Hospital will continue to develop social work in a sustainable direction, with priority given to supporting vulnerable groups.

Here, the journey of these “connectors” continues. For beyond healing the body, it is also a journey of nurturing hope - where medical ethics, music, and compassion come together to ease pain and restore faith in life.

Below are some photos from the program: