The children were selected from 379 child heart patients under the age of 16 through checks-up jointly carried out by the Phu Yen provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and Tam Duc hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on April 10 and 11.

The Swiss Children Action Organisation will fund the operations for 10 patients. The remaining will be sponsored by HCM City’s Poor Patient Sponsorship Association.

In 2009, 49 disadvantaged children in Phu Yen province had free heart surgeries under the annual charitable programme.