![The Tzu Chi KL & Selangor medical team successfully completed their first eye surgery in a medical outreach, marking a historic milestone. [Photo by Lee Kwee Yap]](/images/Articles/YL/2024/KL20241101_lgy01_148.jpg "The Tzu Chi KL & Selangor medical team successfully completed their first eye surgery in a medical outreach, marking a historic milestone. [Photo by Lee Kwee Yap]")
From November 1 to 3, 2024, Tzu Chi medical team from four countries jointly conducted a large-scale medical outreach in Battambang, Cambodia, serving nearly 3,500 patient visits over three days. The outreach provided internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) services at Bavel Referral Hospital, while the eye clinic took place at the Battambang Provincial Hospital.
In every Tzu Chi medical outreach, the commitment to alleviating suffering and spreading joy shines through. This cross-border medical mission was no exception. Faced with challenges ranging from resource limitations and logistical hurdles to language barriers, the team’s unwavering determination carried them through every obstacle.
One significant hurdle involved sourcing specialised ophthalmic equipment. Dr. Goh Siew Yuen and the ophthalmology team went to extraordinary lengths—making calls, sending emails, and even visiting unfamiliar contacts—to borrow the equipment. Their persistence paid off when they secured two ultrasonic phacoemulsification machines and an ophthalmic surgical microscope essential for their mission.
Another challenge emerged when they learned that the autoclave at Battambang Provincial Hospital required 1.5 hours per sterilisation cycle, significantly limiting the number of surgeries possible. Swiftly, they sought sponsorship for a high-speed autoclave capable of completing a cycle within 20 minutes. Even when logistical setbacks prevented the transportation of the autoclave to Cambodia, the team sought ways to borrow a unit locally, ensuring that the surgeries could proceed smoothly as planned.
Over two days, the ophthalmology team performed surgeries on 45 patients. When David Liu, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, visited the eye clinic and conveyed well wishes from Master Cheng Yen, the patients responded with heartfelt gratitude.
“You travelled such a great distance to help us. We are deeply thankful.”
“The doctors restored our sight. This is like saving our lives. The surgery was safe, contrary to rumours about how risky it could be.”
“Many of us here suffer from eye problems. As a village head, I deeply appreciate your help.”
“Yesterday, my vision was still a bit blurry post-surgery, but today it is clearer. Being able to see clearly has been our greatest wish.”
It was most rewarding to witness how patients’ initial anxieties upon arrival disappeared and transformed into bright smiles when they left. Reflecting on the team’s efforts, Dr. Goh expressed, “Every surgery we complete means one more patient can regain their vision, lead a productive life, and care for their families. This is incredibly gratifying.”
◎ Beyond spoken words
With multinational medical professionals, effective communication was crucial to the mission’s success. Local residents fluent in Mandarin or English stepped forward to serve as interpreters. Among them, Taing Va, a septuagenarian principal of Lian Hua Chinese School in Battambang rallied six other elderly people and 41 teachers and students to assist.
Taing Va’s connection with Tzu Chi began in late 1994, during Cambodia’s post-disaster recovery. Touched by the volunteers’ relief efforts, she offered her language skills and roped in her school community to serve as interpreters. Now, three decades later, she and many of her peers have become grandmothers, yet they continue to respond whenever duty calls. “Interpretation is no longer just about spoken words; it has become a legacy of love,” she said. This selfless love has taken root within the community and is passed down through generations. “Though we have grown older, we remain steadfast on this path of helping others.”
TCM practitioner Yeh Ming Shien lauded these “grandmother interpreters” for their dedication. He remarked, “Without them, I would be left guessing patients’ symptoms through gestures, which would consume precious time.” He aspires to emulate these remarkable grandmothers when he reaches their age, that is, able to continue living a purposeful life like theirs.
Among the younger volunteer interpreters was Karona, a third-year dental student at the University of Puthisastra. In addition to her interpreting duties, she assisted with patient reception and care. For her, the experience felt like a journey into the lives of others. She shared, “I have never been this tired, but I am truly happy! Being able to lend a hand makes all the effort worthwhile.”
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Every Tzu Chi medical outreach is a mission to safeguard lives with love. Medical professionals and volunteers alike unite under a common goal: to provide not only physical healing but also emotional warmth, ensuring every patient leaves not just with restored health but also with renewed hope.
(Source of information: PPT reports by the Cambodia medical mission documenting team)
