The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

TZU CHI 109 37 M ore than 300 TIMA medical personnel and Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, USA, Laos and France organized a large-scale free clinic in Prey Kabas District, Cambodia from February 28 to March 3, 2019, for 5,789 patient visits. The team also distributed sacks of “Love from Taiwan” rice to 1,370 impoverished families and donated second-hand medical equipment, besides forging cooperative ties with local medical personnel in conducting medical training. Themedical personnel and volunteers departed for the PreyKabas Referral Hospital to administer a 3-day free clinic, providing surgical services and medical consultation in various specializations, including internal medicine, ophthalmology, dentistry, traditional Chinese medicine and gynaecology. Although the setup of the operating theatre at the free clinic was modest, proper disinfecting procedures, adequate lighting and a suitable indoor temperature were all accounted for. TIMA doctors treated patients with various afflictions, such as cleft lip, skin tumours and keloid, besides performing separation surgery for a boy born with two conjoined fingers on each hand. The “Love from Taiwan” rice supplies were distributed on the afternoon of March 3, 2019, with the Member of Parliament of Takeo Province, Pich Sohporn, gracing the occasion by presenting a speech. Each family received two sacks of rice weighing 20 kg each. The villagers were delighted with the generous supply of rice, which they claimed was enough to last a family of four for a month. Many local youths offered to assist the medical personnel in lifting the rice sacks. Even members of the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia, who were dispatched to maintain order, chipped in to help. “All we have to offer is our labour, yet you invested not only physical labour in helping us, but also incurred travel expenses in making your way here,” said Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia commander, Sok Dara. Cambodia 2019.02.28 – 03.03 Free Clinic for Villagers in Cambodia lobal News Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Choo Suet Fun Photographs provided by Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters