Dow Helps Provide Clean Water to Vietnamese Hospitals

Dow Water Solution FILMTEC™ membranes Dow Worldwide Products and Services Human Element

Vietnam has the vast Mekong delta in the south and many lakes and rivers throughout the country, but the availability of clean potable water remains a challenge especially where demand outstrips what existing infrastructure can support.

The need for clean water extends far beyond the scope of drinking water. Clean water is needed to provide essential healthcare services that are in high demand in the area. To help with that need, the Vietnam representative office of a The Dow Chemical Company subsidiary has been donating water purification systems every year since 2001. The recipients are  poor rural hospitals with no source of potable water.

When the need was first identified, it was not easy to find a hospital with the right profile. The initiative, which was started as part of Dow's corporate contribution activities in the country, has gained recognition from year to year though and today local citizens provide recommendations on a regular basis.  Word-of-mouth has become an effective means of advertising and there is no shortage of potential recipients.

Dr. Van Dinh Ngo, Director of Health Care Center of Cho Gao District, one of the beneficiary hospitals, said "Dow's water purification system ensures we have a reliable source of clean water for clinical use.  We are also able to provide clean water for patients' consumption and sometimes, to the community as well."  Dr Ngo helped Dow identify the recipient hospital this year.

Worth about VND100,000,000 (about US $7,000), the water purification systems use Dow's reverse osmosis FILMTEC™ membranes to purify water typically sourced from underground wells or nearby rivers or ponds. Treated water from the system is virtually free of contaminants, germs and bacteria. 

Dow collaborates with one of the distributors of its membrane products in Vietnam to design, install and maintain each system. 

Another beneficiary hospital was the Anh Nhon Tay Free Hospital.  The hospital, located in the vicinity of the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, gives free treatment to the surrounding community and even houses a ward dedicated to serving mothers of Vietnamese war heroes.  Prior to receiving the system in 2007, the hospital had to purchase gas tanks to boil water that would be suitable for consumption or medical use. 

In this case, and in many others like it, the donation of a water purification system has delivered more than just clean water - it has also saved money for medical institutions so they can do more for the people of their communities.

 "Donating our technology via the water purification system brings to life Dow's goal of contributing to community progress and success through our products and the work we do," said  Simon Teo, Dow's Chief Representative in Vietnam. "Employees find the project particularly meaningful, as well. We can see ourselves making this annual commitment a cornerstone of Dow's corporate contributions to Vietnam for many years to come."