A joint team of TIMA volunteers from Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines, together with Tzu Chi Cambodia and the Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Doctor Association (TYDA), served over 4,000 villagers during a three-day large-scale free clinic. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
In March, lotus flowers bloomed under the blazing sun. Upholding the spirit of “unconditional great compassion and universal empathy”, 138 medical volunteers from Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines travelled to Pursat Province in Cambodia to conduct a large-scale free clinic from 27 March to 29 March 2026.
Pursat Province is located in northwestern Cambodia, while Krakor District, situated in the northeastern part of the province near Tonlé Sap Lake, has a population of about 110,000 people, most of whom rely on farming and fishing for a living. The village population largely consists of the elderly and children. The free clinic was held at Krakor Referral Hospital, the largest medical centre in the district.
A 31-member advance team from Singapore arrived two days early and immediately began preparation work. The logistics team and supporting team worked tirelessly to set up the site, installing electricity and water lines, setting up wash stations and beds, and organising medicines and medical equipment. Through meticulous preparation, consultation rooms were prepared one by one, with the hope of providing the best possible care to local residents.
The blessed came to serve and left with lighter hearts
The three-day free clinic was supported not only by Tzu Chi medical volunteers from four regions but also by TYDA, offering a wide range of services including dentistry, traditional Chinese medicine, ophthalmology, internal medicine, and minor surgical procedures. A total of 4,052 patient visits were recorded, while Tzu Chi’s humanistic values left a deep impression on the local community.
The opening ceremony was held on 28 March and was attended by provincial officials, monastics, and representatives from TYDA. Deputy Provincial Governor Pok Nady expressed heartfelt gratitude for the selfless dedication of the medical team and volunteers, and encouraged residents to pay attention to their daily health and well-being.
Deputy Provincial Governor Pok Nady (in red) and Deputy Superintendent of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Dr Shyu Rong-Yuan (fourth from the right), performed the sign-language song “Love and Care” together with the opening ceremony guests. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Deputy Superintendent of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Dr Shyu Rong-Yuan, expressed appreciation for the team’s commitment to serving rural communities and alleviating suffering. He shared the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, “When others are hurt, I feel their pain; when others suffer, I feel their sorrow,” encouraging volunteers to recognise their blessings and find joy in giving. Quoting from the verses of The Sutra of Infinite Meanings, he expressed hope that the free clinic would continue the relay of love and the cycle of kindness, acknowledging the kindness and blessings present throughout Cambodia.
Deputy Governor Pok Nady also toured the free clinic. At the TCM department, she thanked the doctors for their dedication and praised their professionalism and compassion. Visiting the dental department, she expressed admiration for the well-equipped facilities. She later underwent an eye examination herself, experiencing the warmth and thorough care provided at the free clinic.
During the three days, villagers arrived early each morning, afraid of missing this rare opportunity. At dawn, anticipation quietly spread with the first light of the day. Many in the queue were elderly, some frail and needing assistance. Concerned that the villagers might grow weak from waiting, volunteers thoughtfully distributed bread and bottled water to them. The villagers responded with simple smiles, and a quiet warmth flowed among them.
Krakor Hospital was already filled early in the morning. Tzu Chi volunteers engaged villagers with lively sign-language songs, keeping them company as they waited. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
In each department, medical volunteers partnered with local Cambodian volunteers to overcome language barriers. Often, a simple smile was enough to convey care and kindness. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Healing hands relieve suffering
“Tzu Chi doctors are very professional. This surgery has eased my child and he is no longer afraid,” said the mother of Ham Tola, deeply moved.
Ten-year-old Ham Tola was born with syndactyly (webbed fingers). On his right hand, the middle and ring fingers were joined, as were the thumb and index finger. On his left hand, the index and middle fingers were joined. At age three, he underwent surgery to separate the thumb and index finger on his right hand, but further procedures were delayed due to high risks and costs.
Two years ago, Singaporean doctor Dr Fong Poh Him successfully separated the fingers on his left hand, and volunteers promised to continue treatment for his right hand in the future. This time, Ham Tola returned with his parents. Taiwanese doctor Dr Yeh Tian-Hao warmly embraced him, carefully marked the surgical sites, and explained the procedure. Despite some discomfort after anaesthesia, the surgery was completed successfully with the support of medical personnel and volunteers, restoring hope for the young boy.
Ham Tola successfully completed the surgery. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
“If surgery for syndactyly is performed around the age of one, recovery tends to be better. But in rural areas, medical conditions often do not allow for this,” Dr Yeh said, expressing concern over unequal access to healthcare. This reality is precisely why he and his wife, Dr Chen Hung-Yen, have long devoted themselves to medical missions all around the world, bringing care to those who need it most.
Their son, Dr Yeh Yu-Chih, also joined the mission for the first time as a doctor. Though initially nervous, he gradually gained confidence with the well-equipped facilities and resolved to continue serving. “If there’s another opportunity, I will definitely come again,” he said.
From monastics to villagers, compassion spreads through every heart
A vow to heal that transcends borders has woven together remarkable connections through Tzu Chi.
Dharma Master Tech Thean Chan from Vietnam, who has resided at Song Guan Temple in Cambodia, had suffered from cervical spine pain for ten years, along with swelling and pain in his right middle finger. For a long time, he could not find relief, until this clinic, where he met Taiwanese TCM practitioner Dr Wu Sen.
Despite being over 80 years old, Dr Wu remained energetic, optimistic, and open-hearted. It was his first time participating in a free clinic in Cambodia. Though highly skilled and experienced, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, speaking with humour and kindness that put others at ease.
On the first day, Dr Wu treated Dharma Master Tech Thean Chan with acupuncture. Dharma Master Tech Thean Chan shared that he felt significant relief afterward and, that night, experienced rare, restful sleep, the first peaceful night he had in ten years. During the follow-up visit the next day, with further acupuncture and careful treatment, his long-standing chronic neck condition improved markedly. With hands clasped in gratitude, his eyes were filled with deep appreciation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is widely recognised by Cambodian people. Dr Wu-Sen (second from right) from Taiwan provided acupuncture to Dharma Master Tech Thean Chan (first from left) to relieve the suffering of long-standing diseases. (Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
The same doctor's compassion also illuminated the life of local resident Haihong.
Three months ago, he collapsed due to a blood clot in his brain, which caused difficulty with his movement and speech, and his family suddenly lost their source of support. When he came to the free clinic with the help of the government, his legs were numb and he had difficulty walking. Although he felt uneasy undergoing acupuncture for the first time, under Dr Wu’s patient care and treatment, he gradually regained the ability to raise his arms, and his body became much more relaxed, rekindling hope for recovery.
Clouded eyes see light again through the free clinic
The team from the Tzu Chi Eye Center in the Philippines treated 201 patients in one day during the free clinic, 76 of whom required cataract surgery, highlighting the urgent need for local vision care.
Den Narom, 68, suffers from cataracts in both eyes. She lived through the turmoil of the Khmer Rouge, during which nine of his siblings and his parents were killed, and she was separated from her fiancé. After the turmoil ended, she became a teacher and cared for children who had experienced war. Later, due to a car accident, she became immobile, and now her deteriorating vision has added to her difficulties.
During the free clinic, Dr Susan Lim confirmed that Narom required surgery. The volunteers immediately explained to her that Tzu Chi would subsidise her medical expenses, which moved her to tears. Later, volunteers accompanied her on a visit to her home and communicated warmly with her family, extending love and care beyond medical treatment into daily life.
The dental services in the other zone were mainly provided by the Singaporean medical team.
A 21-year-old young mother, Lamsang Soi (name has been transliterated), came to see a doctor with her crying child. After examination, it was found that Lamsang Soi’s upper right front tooth was severely cracked. It was initially assessed that it needed to be extracted. However, after further careful assessment, Dr Eugene Tang decided to do his best to save the tooth by performing root canal treatment and restorative repair. The medical team patiently completed every procedure and successfully saved the tooth.
The next day, Lamsang Soi returned with a shy yet hopeful smile and took the initiative to ask the doctor if her other front teeth, which affected her appearance, could also be treated. Dr Tang carefully repaired six teeth, and her long-lost smile was reflected in the mirror. "I finally dared to open my mouth and smile." The doctors used their medical expertise to relieve suffering, and their compassion to bring comfort and joy, allowing the young mother to regain her dignity, confidence, and inner light. The dentist used technology to relieve suffering, and also brought joy with his compassion, allowing the young mother to regain her dignity, confidence and light in her heart.
(Photo by Yeo Chee Hwang)
Referral cases on their journey of waiting for hope
74-year-old Moeun discovered a mass under her right ear nine years ago. Since she could not afford the medical expenses, she could only treat it with herbal medicine. However, there was no improvement. Instead, the tumour grew to more than ten centimetres, and she has been in pain for many years. This time she came to the free clinic on the recommendation of the village chief. Deeply moved by the care she received from afar, her eyes turned red with emotion. After an evaluation by Dr Yeh Tian-Hao, she was recommended to be referred to Phnom Penh for further treatment as soon as possible.
As Moeun could not afford the medical expenses, the tumour grew to more than ten centimetres in size. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
Free clinics have their limitations—not all patients who came to seek medical treatment could receive treatment on the spot. Besides Moen, there were several cases, most of which delayed treatment because of poverty. After waiting for many years, they finally encountered a change in this free clinic. After medical evaluation by doctors, these cases needed to be transferred to large hospitals or sent to Taiwan for treatment. Their medical expenses were also subsidised by Tzu Chi, giving patients and their families greater peace of mind.
Among those who travelled a long distance to Krakor Referral Hospital were Sok Reaksa, a local Tzu Chi care recipient, and her grandmother. They came not for treatment, but to express their gratitude.
It turned out that Sok Reaksa suffered from a congenital haemangioma in her right ear, which caused her to become a girl with "big ears". In 2025, with the support of Tzu Chi Cambodia, she travelled to Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan for treatment. Over the course of six months, she underwent procedures including vascular embolisation, haemangioma removal, and ear reshaping and reconstructive surgery.
During this free clinic, Sok Reaksa greeted the medical volunteers one by one under the guidance of other volunteers, with a pure smile on her face. This time, she also prepared ten hand-drawn thank-you cards, each filled with heartfelt gratitude for the medical team.
These cards are a child’s most sincere expression of thanks. The recurring reunions are a continuation of good affinities. From receiving help to learning to be grateful, from enduring illness to regaining a smile, Sok Reaksa’s journey reflected Tzu Chi’s compassion and care, allowing the power of kindness to continue growing among people.
(Photo by Yao Mee Chee)
During the free clinic, volunteers in the waiting area were also busy. They shared the story of the “Bamboo Bank Era” with fellow villagers: 60 years ago, 30 housewives saved 50 cents a day, which gradually formed the foundation of Tzu Chi’s charitable journey. After hearing this, the villagers felt inspired and responded enthusiastically. They made donations one after another, turning small acts of kindness into vast compassion. The free clinic was filled with warmth and hope.
Love knows no boundaries and Bodhi seeds are blooming everywhere
The Appreciation Dinner on 28 March was held in the open space next to Krakor Referral Hospital in the form of a round-table reunion, creating a warm atmosphere.
The Governor of Pursat Province, Khoy Rida, was a special attendee. He thanked Tzu Chi’s medical team for cooperating with TYDA, and praised the humanistic care demonstrated during the free clinic. He called the doctors “miraculous doctors” and looked forward to Tzu Chi’s return to hold free clinics in Pursat Province, so that love can continue to spread and warm more lives.
Head of Tzu Chi Cambodia, Hsieh Ming-hsuan, shared on the stage that charity stems from the suffering caused by illness, and the illness caused by suffering. The reason the free clinic is able to bring together many doctors, nursing staff and volunteers is because everyone is inspired by the love of Master Cheng Yen, and is willing to spread love across religions and national boundaries, so that Bodhi seeds can bloom everywhere in Cambodia.
During the event, the song “A Tribute to the White Robe” reflected the mission of doctors and the beauty of humanistic culture. Everyone sang “We Are Family” in unison, bringing the event to a warm close and leaving behind deep gratitude and blessings.
This cross-border medical mission was not only about treating illness, but also a profound flow of love and hope. Doctors relieved suffering with their professional skills and knowledge, while volunteers offered companionship with sincerity. In every consultation and act of care, they embodied the compassionate spirit of “feeling others’ pain as one’s own, and feeling compassion when others suffer.”
(Photo by Lin Huey Chun)
In Cambodia, we witnessed both hardship and the gathering of kindness. We also saw the weight of illness and the warmth of human hearts. Every karmic affinity is part of the continuation of the Dharma lineage, and every contribution is a practice on the Bodhisattva path. When blessed people enter a place of suffering, every small act of kindness gathers into a force that can transform a life.
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