As of July 29, the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap province has received Covid-19 medical supplies and more than $80,000 in donations after launching a fund raising campaign on July 16.
The campaign was initiated after two children tested positive for Covid-19 at the hospital on July 2, one of whom has recovered and returned home.
Sin Ket Arun, the hospital’s director of public relations, told The Post on July 29 that the hospital wanted funds to set up a Covid-19 treatment ward and purchase vital medical supplies such as Covid-19 rapid antigen test kits and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“Although, the Angkor Hospital for Children does not play a role in treating Covid-19 patients, it has been performing a crucial role in examining, treating and caring for many sick children.
“Those illnesses, such as dengue fever and malnutrition, make children more susceptible to Covid-19. Poor hygiene and being unable to come to hospital for timely treatment are also contributing factors,” she said.
Ket Arun added that the $80,000 raised can support the hospital amid the pandemic. If there are no more donations, the hospital will develop other strategies to find funds for its operations.
“Many children get treated here. This is why we have to find more funds, we cannot stop,” she said, adding that money was donated by public and private institutions and the general public.
As of July 23, the hospital had received 4,000 rapid test kits, 3,000 masks and other items. Cambodian Red Cross president Bun Rany Hun Sen also donated $50,000.
“The Angkor Hospital for Children will continue to examine and treat children free of charge,” Ket Arun said.
According to a hospital report, there were 30,635 outpatients, 5,971 emergency cases, 2,300 hospitalisations and 16 deaths in the first six months of this year. Last year, 97,069 children were treated.
Since the hospital opened, more than 2.5 million children have been examined and treated.
