Kratie Province, located along the Mekong River in northeastern Cambodia, is home to a largely rural population. The Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital (KPRH) is the main medical facility and has been trusted by community members.

Staff of KPRH

However, there are some cases that patients cannot promptly undergo the necessary medical tests in the surgical department.

This issue happened because the diagnosis machine was shared with other departments. Therefore, patients had to go to the other building and wait for a long time to take an exam. It was a critical burden for patients and delayed proper treatment. To ensure a faster diagnosis before conditions worsen, doctors urgently needed the diagnostic equipment available to surgeons at any time.

Considering this situation, FIDR provided a new ultrasound machine in 2024. This indispensable equipment allowed doctors to instantly visualize the internal conditions of patients’ bodies, improving both the accuracy and speed of their diagnoses. Quick and accurate decisions are critical for saving a patient’s life, especially in emergency situations. Also, the machine has reduced their waiting times.

The ultrasound machine introduced in the surgical department

Here, we interviewed surgeons and a patient in KPRH about the impacts this machine has made.

Improved accuracy of diagnosis

Dr. Chan Sokhomchenda, Head of the Surgical Department, said the new machine has transformed the process of examination and diagnosis. “Now, we can diagnose problems and start treatment much faster than before. We no longer need to send patients to other buildings to use the ultrasound machine there.”

He also praised its performance.

“The new ultrasound machine is very easy to use and provides clearer images within seconds. We can quickly detect fluid in the lungs or abdomen, internal bleeding, and hidden lumps. It helps us clearly understand the patient’s condition.”

Enhancing Teamwork

Dr. Him Sovanndara, Deputy Head of the Surgical Department, emphasized the importance of accuracy and speed.

“Identifying the appropriate treatment plan immediately is critical for saving lives.”

He also highlighted its impact on teamwork.

“Since the machine was introduced, collaboration across the departments has improved. Doctors from other departments, such as maternity, pediatrics, emergency, and internal medicine, also visit our department to use it. Based on the visualized patients’ conditions, we consistently share ideas and make joint decisions about care plans.

Sharing reliable equipment brings more discussions, better decisions, and more appropriate treatments for patients.”

Doctors discussing based on the result of an ultrasound exam

Patient’s Voice: “My anxiety has disappeared”

Ms. Niem, a mother from Kratie Province, brought her son to KPRH for abdominal pain.

“A doctor showed me what was happening inside my son’s stomach on the screen and explained it clearly to me. I could see the cause with my own eyes. It made my understanding of the doctor’s explanation clearer. Before, I often felt anxious about going to the hospital because I could not understand what the doctors were doing and whether the treatments were appropriate. But now I trust them more than before. I am willing to encourage my family and neighbors to seek medical care here.”

A doctor explaining the diagnosis to a boy’s mother with an image on the ultrasound machine

To be the hospital trusted by local people

Since its installation, the ultrasound machine has served many patients, reduced waiting time, and prevented unnecessary referrals to costly private clinics or hospitals in cities.

FIDR has been long supporting KPRH by constructing the hospital building, providing equipment, training medical staff, and promoting health awareness at the community levels. The effective utilization of the ultrasound machine represents another significant step toward a better healthcare system that residents can further trust. Looking ahead, FIDR will continue to listen to healthcare staff and patients and work together to strengthen trustworthy KPRH for local residents.