A programme for the health of the elderly across the country will be launched in Hanoi on August 3.

The two-month programme will be jointly held by the Central Committees of the Vietnam Youth Federation (VYF) and the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, and the Nhat Nhat Pharmacy Co., Ltd.

It will provide free check-ups, medicine and gifts for older and retired people in all the 63 provinces and cities, especially those with difficulties.

Free eye operations and examinations to quickly find out cardiovascular and geriatric diseases will be conducted together with campaigns to raise public awareness of health care for the elderly, and those to call for viscera and cornea donation.

About 3,000 young doctors and 5,000 volunteers are expected to participate in the event, which is expected to benefit about 33,000 people.

As part of the practical activities affirming the vanguard role of youths, particularly young doctors, in caring the elderly, the event is also to respond to the 2014 Volunteer Youth Year, and mark the 23 rd anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons and the 58 years of VYF’s traditional day.

A ceremony to review the programme will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on October 1.-VNA