Philip Rainsford Evans and Barbara Evans: Vietnam: British Paediatric Team in Saigon

Dr Evans was in Vietnam in 1965, 1966-67 and 1971. He was the first leader of the British Medical Team at the Children's Hospital, ('Benh Vien Nhi Dong'), Saigon. The origins of British paediatric work were to be found in the political background: the United States of America requested some show of support (of its presence in Vietnam) by Britain. The then Prime Minister, Mr Wilson, sought advice from the Ministry of Overseas Development which suggested the scheme of supporting a childrens teaching hospital. Dr Evans was asked to visit Saigon as an adviser by the Ministry of Overseas Development (on the announcement of which he lost his appointment as Consultant Paediatrician to the Army). The scheme eventually died, mainly through lack of adequate aid at the British end. Barbara Evans also spent time in Saigon, and published a book. Caduceus in Saigon, on the work of the Paediatric Team, as well as several articles

1963-1982

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