Galen Beery Legacy Exhibit

Ban Xon Hospital

After the fall of Sam Thong, medical, along with other critical services, were moved to Ban Xon.

Ban Xon Hospital was initially a maintenance facility for USAID public works personnel before its transformation into a healthcare institution. The hospital's inception was marked by its makeshift nature, operating out of a converted maintenance facility before a more permanent structure was established. The hospital became a critical healthcare provider for the local civilian and military population (Hillmer, 2006b).  

The hospital's operations were fraught with challenges, from dealing with the influx of patients and war casualties to the direct threats of attacks. One notable incident involved a rocket-propelled grenade hitting the warehouse, causing widespread damage and disruption (Hillmer, 2006b).

Ban Xon Hospital, though initially not equipped for large-scale medical operations, quickly became a hub for treating war-related injuries and other medical conditions. The staff, including surgeons and medics, worked tirelessly to provide care, often under dire conditions and resource constraints. The hospital's role extended beyond medical care, as it also became a site for humanitarian aid, distributing food and other essentials to the local populace (Hillmer, 2006b).

The constant threat of conflict, including ambushes and attacks near the hospital, highlighted the precarious situation in Ban Xon. However, it also underscored the resilience of the hospital staff, patients, and the local community. Instances of staff continuing their work after attacks, patients braving the journey to receive care, and the community's unwavering support for the hospital illustrate the human spirit's indomitability in times of war (Hillmer, 2006b).

References:

Hillmer, P. (2006b). Interview with Steve Schofield. Hmong Oral History Project. 21. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/hmong-studies_hohp/21