Much-needed healthcare: Patients waiting for free medical services provided by Chinese medics in Phnom Penh. — Xinhua
FOR You Seavkheng, the free medical services provided by a Chinese “Peace Angel” medical team have not only helped improve her health, but also saved her money on medical expenses.
The 51-year-old Cambodian patient, who has been suffering from a chronic daily headache and high blood pressure for two years, had her health conditions checked and treated by the medical team on Friday at the Preah Ket Mealea Hospital, known as the military hospital, in the country’s capital Phnom Penh.
“Such a free treatment is good because our country has many needy people including me, and we’re delighted that good doctors come to treat us,” she said.
“Some patients have no money, so this (free) treatment is very helpful.”
The mother of three children said this humanitarian mission would contribute further to promoting friendship between the people of the two countries.
“I’m happier if such a free treatment could be conducted more often. I wish them (the Chinese medics) good health and safe travel back home,” she said.
Em Sothea, a 54-year-old patient from the southeastern Svay Rieng province, said she has had diabetes, arthritis, and body aches for several years.
She came to the hospital after receiving the news of the free medical services from a relative.
“It’s an effective treatment, with good quality medicine provided, and I feel better,” she said.
“I want more such free medical services in Cambodia.”
Sothea said she highly trusted Chinese doctors and the medicine that they provided.
Zhang Yi, leader of the “Peace Angel” medical team, said the team began to offer free of charge medical services to Cambodian patients on Friday as part of the China-Cambodia “Peace Angel 2023” joint humanitarian exercise.
“This is the first time that our ‘Peace Angel’ medical team has come to Cambodia to provide medical drills and medical services,” he said.
“I believe that there will be more and more medical cooperation between our two militaries in the future.”
The team is scheduled to travel to the northwestern Siem Reap province to provide free medical services to patients there, Zhang said. — Xinhua
