Culture minister Phoeurng Sackona presents 152 million riel to the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation at the gala, held last week. DR BEAT RICHNER FB
Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital recently received over 100 million riel through a charity night orchestrated by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Yay Chantana, director of Jayavarman VII Hospital, also known as Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital III, said on December 18 that the hospital benefitted from a contribution exceeding 150 million riel ($36,000) raised during the ministry’s event. These funds will aid children in Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals located in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
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“All the funds received from the charity event will go towards providing medical services and check-ups for approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children in Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospitals in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. The hospital typically admits an average of 400 to 500 children each day,” he said.
He mentioned that the hospitals handle approximately 50 to 60 surgical cases daily, including around five instances of open-heart surgery each day. Additionally, there are about 70 deliveries for women and an average of 300 to 500 women coming in for natal check-ups per day.
Chantana also said that all treatments, encompassing paediatric surgery and obstetrics, as well as deliveries, are provided free of charge. Notably, doctors working at either hospital in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh are prohibited from running private clinics while actively serving at the hospital.
“All donations, whether from local or international sources, contribute to maintaining the efficient operation and advancing surgical and cancer treatments for children at Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. This support ensures a swift and timely response, ultimately saving the lives of children,” he said.
A social media update from the culture ministry shared that the charity night, “Khmer Great Love – Angkor Charity Night,” took place under the stars at Baphuon Temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province. The event was coordinated by the ministry, the Association of Angkor Digital Culture Council and the DPB Foundation.
During the event, culture minister Phoeurng Sackona underscored the vital role of children in shaping the nation’s future. She said their health is pivotal, enabling them to excel in education and become future leaders and thereby contributing to the country’s further development.
“We aspire for this gala night to be an annual occurrence, regardless of the donation size. Every contribution, be it modest or substantial, reflects our generosity in supporting those in need, particularly the children in the hospital,” she said.
In 2022, the ministry collaborated with the APSARA National Authority (ANA) to host a charity night, generating over $80,000 for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital.
