#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Heart #Nepal Training #WCES 2026

Supporting the Future of Cambodian Healthcare

The Tokyo-based NGO Japan Heart is excited to announce the launch of a crowdfunding campaign starting on August 12, 2023. This initiative aims to support seven Cambodian medical professionals, including both doctors and nurses, in attending the World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (WCES) to be held in Yokohama in September 2026. The campaign comes as a response to the urgent need to train medical personnel in Cambodia, a country that has faced significant barriers to healthcare historically.

The Urgent Need for Medical Professionals in Cambodia

Once a thriving nation, Cambodia faced a devastating healthcare crisis under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, resulting in the loss of many medical professionals. Today, the nation has about 0.2 doctors for every 1,000 people—approximately one-thirteenth the number in Japan, which has about 2.6. This stark disparity highlights the necessity for immediate action in training healthcare providers and rebuilding a sustainable medical system in Cambodia.

Japan Heart commenced its medical activities in Cambodia in 2009, focusing on providing free healthcare through facilities like the Japan Heart Medical Center (JHMC) and the Japan Heart Asia Pediatric Medical Center (ACMC). Through scholarships and hands-on training with Japanese specialists, they nurture Cambodian healthcare workers, empowering them to contribute effectively to their country’s healthcare needs.

Inspiring Stories from the Ground

One of the doctors set to participate in the WCES conference is Dr. Rathana, who was among the first recipients of Japan Heart's scholarship program,