Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Takeo (Agenzia Fides) - The King of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni, came in person to preside the recent opening ceremony of the new wing of the eye hospital in Takeo (southern Cambodia), founded and maintained by the Church in Cambodia. The presence of the monarch gave a special importance to the social work that is funded by several Christian agencies, in cooperation with the Cambodian Department of Health. "This is a new acquisition, in accordance with the strategy of social development of the Royal Government of Cambodia," said the King. The ceremony was also attended by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pennacchio, the new Coadjutor Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, MEP, and the hospital staff.
The hospital was opened in 1997 by Maryknoll Missionaries and has 42 beds. It takes care of patients with eye diseases that often lead to blindness, a phenomena that is widespread in the country. Given its continual overcrowding, in cooperation with Caritas Cambodia and religious congregations, planning and implementation of a hospital expansion was carried out and will now accommodate 67 patients. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2010)
