On Tuesday, March 6, the new Hue Cardiovascular Center opened its doors amidst great ceremony and cheer. Dr. Peter Singer, Chairman of the EMW Board of Directors, was present at the ceremony and gave a welcoming speech about the project that he has keenly advocated for over the past four years. Dr. Bui Duc Phu, the hospital’s director, also gave a speech. Other attendees included officials from the local and state governments, as well as hospital representatives. The $8.3 million center, including $3 million of modern hospital equipment, was funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and constructed the past four years under EMW supervision. 

The new Cardiovascular Center will function as the main hospital in central Vietnam specializing in heart treatments and operations. In particular, the Center will support Operation Healthy Heart, East Meets West’s program to help fund and provide surgeries for poor Vietnamese children suffering from congenital heart defects. Many lives will be saved, lives that can someday contribute to building Vietnam’s prosperity.