A Shared Commitment to Health 

From November 1 to 3, the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) organized a large-scale, free clinic in Cambodia’s Battambang Province. Bringing together healthcare professionals from Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, the event served over 3,000 patients, many of whom rarely have access to medical care. Tzu Chi volunteers teamed up with a dynamic group of local interpreters, including the spirited “Tzu Chi Grandmothers,” local university students, and community leaders, creating an uplifting bridge of care and communication. 

The Vital Role of Interpreters 

Navigating language barriers was a primary challenge for the TIMA volunteers, as most of the locals spoke only Khmer. Thanks to Lianhua School Principal Hsiu-Hua Chen, an experienced volunteer interpreter, a group of “Tzu Chi Grandmothers” was mobilized to support communication. Despite their advanced years, these dedicated women worked tirelessly, providing clear and accurate translations for medical professionals. Leading the team, 72-year-old Hsiu-Hua Chen proved to be a vital link, translating symptoms and concerns with accuracy and energy. Dr. Ming-Hsien Yeh from Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital praised her skill, noting that with her help, consultations felt just like those back in Taiwan. 

Honoring a Long-Standing Bond 

For Hsiu-Hua Chen, 72, this was not her first experience with Tzu Chi. Her connection began in 1994 when Tzu Chi arrived in Cambodia to provide disaster relief following severe flooding. he guided Tzu Chi volunteers through the initial stages of relief work, a relationship she has maintained for 30 years. Now, she has drawn her friends into the effort, recruiting her “sisters” to volunteer alongside her. This camaraderie lightened even their own burdens, as she shared that her aches and pains seemed to ease in the presence of shared purpose and dedication. 

“Even when I feel pain, I see others facing much more, and I feel grateful,” Chen shared with a smile, embodying the volunteer spirit that has sustained her partnership with Tzu Chi for three decades. 

A Mayor’s Long Memory 

The humanitarian bond was further honored by the presence of Battambang’s Bavel District Chief, Louth Saly. He vividly recalled a time almost 30 years ago when Tzu Chi first arrived with bags of rice, a lifeline for villagers struck by disaster. At the time, he was serving as a deputy district chief. Saly reflected, “In 1994, Tzu Chi distributed rice to our people. It’s a historical memory that remains close to my heart.” In 2020, his district was hit once more by flooding, and he again witnessed Tzu Chi’s compassion and efficiency. This time, he was proud partner with Tzu Chi again through the free clinic and expressed hope for further collaborations to aid the community. 

Bridging Medical Knowledge with Local Insight 

Local university students also played an invaluable role in the clinic, eager to support their community and gain experience in a medical setting. Students from two universities in Battambang brought with them both professional knowledge and dedication. They translated villagers’ symptoms with accuracy and empathy that eased communication between patients and overseas doctors, helping to ensure that each diagnosis was as precise as possible. 

Kang Mapha, a lab technician from Bodhisastra University who participated in his first Tzu Chi event, worked tirelessly to register patients and perform preliminary assessments. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “The Tzu Chi team’s dedication—traveling here at their own expense, working despite exhaustion—has been truly heartwarming. I hope they can return and continue helping our people.” Inspired, he also said, "After participating this time, I’ll go back to school and invite more classmates to join the TIMA team in the future." 

Likewise, Vithey Vattana, a dental student at International University, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful so many have come to help those in need. I hope clinics like this can be held in even more places.” 

Transporting Hope to Remote Villages 

Battambang, located in northern Cambodia, has a large population, yet healthcare access remains scarce in rural areas. Some families traveled long distances by tractor or on foot, seeking medical attention for illnesses they had endured for years. One family brought their elderly father, who had not received medical care in decades, relying on Tzu Chi’s doctors for a long-awaited consultation. Relatives and friends held high hopes, watching as physicians attended to their loved ones with compassionate care and dedication. 

Three Days of Compassion 

The free clinic in Battambang stands as Tzu Chi’s first major initiative in Cambodia in five years, and it left a lasting impact on all involved. From the “Tzu Chi Grandmothers” to young medical students, volunteers embodied the spirit of unity and generosity. Despite long hours and hard work, they were uplifted by the gratitude and resilience of the Cambodian people. Over three days, more than 1,000 volunteers and healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to honor Tzu Chi’s commitment: “Where there is suffering, there will be Tzu Chi.”