Insurance firm AIA Vietnam handed over VND25 billion ($1.1 million) to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee last Friday in support to Vietnam's battle against the coronavirus epidemic. 

Representatives of AIA board of directors at the announcement
of the financial assistance package for frontline doctors in the Covid-19 fight.

The financial package aims to support doctors and nurses engaged in the Covid-19 fight. Of the aid, VND2 billion was transferred directly to the committee to be used for purchases of essential medical equipment for frontline doctors and medical staff.

The remaining VND23 billion will be disbursed as a special financial support program by AIA Vietnam, benefiting all doctors and nurses working at hospitals and health facilities designated by the Ministry of Health to diagnose and treat Covid-19 patients.

This includes a VND10 million ($4,300) payment for any medical staff diagnosed positive with the novel coronavirus. The package also includes VND100 million payments that will be set aside for relatives of medical staff in the unfortunate event of any life being claimed by the virus.

Wayne Besant, CEO of AIA Vietnam, said: "We are extremely grateful to the thousands of heroes in white-shirts, who fight on the frontline against the epidemic. The sacrifices you make, day and night, risking your own safety, is truly inspirational".

"Thank you for your courageous, tireless and selfless acts in providing such essential services to those in need. With this support we would like to express our appreciation to all medical staff, and hope to do our part in fighting against this pandemic."