Kantha Bopha delivers 22,000 newborns in ‘23
KANTHA Bopha Children’s Hospital in Phnom Penh experienced a remarkable surge, treating nearly 900,000 outpatients in 2023 – a substantial 36 per cent increase from the previous year.
Ky Santy, the hospital’s director, shared on January 14 that its branches in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province collectively attended to 899,692 outpatients, marking a notable rise from 2022. Hospitalizations for serious illnesses increased by 53 per cent, with 184,055 children requiring medical attention.
Among these cases, upwards of 30 per cent of severely ill children were directed to emergency departments. The hospital also managed over 16,000 cases of severe dengue fever and performed close to 28,000 surgeries, including almost 950 heart procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting.
Additionally, the maternity department provided care for close to 110,000 pregnant women and facilitated nearly 22,000 deliveries. The hospital’s achievements underscore its commitment to paediatric healthcare.
“We faced challenges with bed shortages for babies and seriously ill children in the emergency department. At times, two of them shared a bed, and some critically ill children were referred to private clinics or other hospitals due to their severe conditions. Unfortunately, in some cases, the hospitals couldn’t save them, while others faced prolonged hospital stays,” he said.
He said that in 2023, the hospital encountered a range of health issues, including respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, infectious diseases like tuberculosis, dengue fever, meningitis and encephalitis.
Cases of blisters on the hands, feet and mouth, tetanus, cancer, congenital heart disease, diarrhoea, malnutrition, diabetes, traffic accidents and other injuries were also observed. Furthermore, some babies were born weak, premature and with chronic diseases.
Santy urged parents and families to prioritise their children’s wellbeing. If a child falls ill, seeking prompt medical attention at a nearby hospital or consulting with a local doctor is essential. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene around homes is crucial to eliminate yellow fever and prevent the bites of infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes.