Physical Health Cambodia Project #52100

Critical cancer surgery for Cambodian infants

by Japan Heart

Critical cancer surgery for Cambodian infants

Project Report | Feb 11, 2026
Progress Report 3

By Maiko Kubota | Project Leader

JHACMC Opening Ceremony on Oct. 31, 2025

Reporting Period: October to January 2026

Overview

Between late 2025 and early 2026, Japan Heart’s Cambodia program reached a significant turning point with the opening and early operation of the Japan Heart Asia Children’s Medical Center (JHACMC). This period marked not only the realization of a long-awaited pediatric hospital but also a broader reflection on the organization’s achievements throughout 2025.

The launch of JHACMC represents more than a new building it embodies years of collaboration, training, and preparation aimed at creating a sustainable pediatric healthcare system in Cambodia. Alongside the hospital’s progress, Japan Heart continued to strengthen local medical capacity, expand access to surgery through outreach missions, and support thousands of children and families through consistent care.

This report highlights both the milestones surrounding the new hospital and the broader impact of Cambodia operations over the past year, demonstrating how long-term support is helping transform pediatric healthcare in the region.

Key Updates & Achievements

Japan Heart Asia Children’s Medical Center (JHACMC): Construction Progress, Team Milestones, and the Road Toward Opening

Nov 7, 2025: Construction Progress and Operational Preparation
As the new hospital building neared completion, teams focused on preparing clinical systems, workflow simulations, and training for the introduction of electronic medical records. Behind the visible progress of construction, staff worked tirelessly to ensure a safe transition without interrupting ongoing patient care, laying the foundation for sustainable pediatric services in Cambodia.
Nov 12, 2025: Team Development and Relocation Preparations
Medical and administrative teams collaborated to prepare for the relocation to the new facility. Through detailed planning, simulations, and cross-department coordination, staff strengthened their readiness for opening day while reinforcing a shared vision of delivering equal access to healthcare for children regardless of background.
Nov 19, 2025: Final Phase Toward Opening
As the opening approached, preparations intensified, including equipment setup, workflow testing, and staff alignment. Former team members and current staff came together with a shared commitment to shaping a hospital that prioritizes safety, trust, and long-term impact for children and families.
Jan 5, 2026: Early Outcomes After Opening
Following the official opening ceremony on October 31, outpatient services and surgeries gradually expanded. By mid-December, the center had already supported over 1,000 outpatient visits and conducted multiple surgeries, demonstrating its growing role as a trusted pediatric healthcare hub in the region.

Cambodia Program 2025 Review: Delivering Care, Strengthening Systems, and Investing in the Future

Annual Reflection on Cambodia Operations
2025 marked a milestone year highlighted by the opening of JHACMC, continued outreach surgical missions, and strong progress in local staff development. Outreach teams conducted five visiting surgical missions, performing approximately 90 surgeries and expanding access to care in underserved areas. Intensive surgical programs and hands-on training strengthened the skills of Cambodian medical professionals, enabling them to take more leading roles in patient care. By the end of the year, combined outpatient visits reached around 21,000 and surgeries totaled approximately 1,800 cases clear evidence of sustainable growth built through long-term support and collaboration.

Acknowledgement

None of these achievements would have been possible without the continued support of donors, partners, and supporters around the world. Your contributions help Japan Heart provide life-saving medical care, train the next generation of healthcare professionals, and create sustainable systems that ensure children can receive treatment regardless of financial or geographic barriers. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing trust and encouragement as we continue expanding access to pediatric healthcare in Cambodia.

Entrance Gate of the JHACMC

Center Circle with Artificial Turf

Patients& families Moving from Udong

Viewing the Center Circle from the New Playroom

Looking Out from the New Oncology Ward

Dr. H. Yoshioka Dressed as Santa for Christmas

Cutting Christmas Cookies with Kitchen staff

Staff Group Photo at the JHCMC Entrance

Children Playing in the Oncology Ward's Playroom

Scenes from Care at Japan Heart Medical Center

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Oct 15, 2025
Progress Report 2

By By Japan Heart | Project Leader

Pharmacist checking the inventory of medications

Reporting Period: June–September 2025

Overview

From June to September 2025, Japan Heart continued to advance pediatric cancer care at the Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center in Cambodia. Each day, our local and Japanese staff worked together to ensure that every child facing cancer receives safe, compassionate, and high-quality treatment.

This quarter marked steady progress in several key areas—nutrition, pharmacy, education, and hospital environment, each essential for delivering holistic care. Behind every effort lies the belief that medical care should not only save lives but also nurture the future of Cambodian healthcare.

Key Updates & Achievements

1. Strengthening Hygiene in the Nutrition Department (July)

The hospital’s Nutrition Department implemented stricter hygiene protocols, reinforcing the crucial role of dietitians in pediatric cancer care. Through tailored meal plans and daily monitoring, the nutrition team supports children’s recovery and resilience proving that “food is also medicine.”

2. Pharmacist Lotta’s Role and Volunteer Support (July)

At the Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center, pharmacist Lotta plays a key role in pediatric wards and outpatient services. With the pharmacy located next to the nursing station, he maintains close contact with both patients and staff, becoming an essential part of daily care. Supported by short-term volunteer pharmacists, he also assists with chemotherapy preparation and ward rounds, helping ensure safe and high-quality treatment for all children.

3. Pediatric Oncology Team Training and Reflection (August)

Japan Heart’s founder and senior advisor, Dr. Hideto Yoshioka, led a reflective session with the pediatric cancer team. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward Japan Heart’s mission: to deliver high-quality care regardless of location or circumstance. This exchange deepened each member’s sense of purpose and professional pride.

4. Ward Environment and Medical Equipment Improvements (August)

Recent upgrades in ward facilities and medical equipment have improved safety and comfort for both patients and staff. Additionally, Japan Heart’s scholarship program is helping aspiring Cambodian healthcare students gain experience and return to the field as future doctors, nurses, and pharmacists creating a sustainable cycle of care.

5. Deepening Family-Centered Care (September)

As part of the preparations for the new hospital opening, the team conducted specialized training focused on communication and family support. The program encouraged staff to view care not only as treatment, but as a shared journey with each family strengthening unity and compassion across the team.

Upcoming Goals

Continue developing local medical staff and fostering leadership within the pediatric oncology team.
Enhance collaboration between nutrition, pharmacy, and nursing departments for integrated care.
Prepare for the transition to the new Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center, ensuring safe, patient-centered services.

Acknowledgement

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who make this work possible. Your contributions provide not only life-saving treatment, but also hope, education, and empowerment for Cambodian children and families.

Guided by Japan Heart’s mission, “To deliver healthcare to medically-isolated areas,” we are creating a future where every child can receive care with dignity, regardless of background or circumstance.

Kitchen staff cleaning the drain

Scholarship students living together in Phnom Penh

Dr. Yoshioka during a preoperative conference

Staff and doctors who participated in the course

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Jun 18, 2025
Progress Report 1

By By Japan Heart | Project Leader

JONA online training

Overview

Japan Heart provides free, life-saving medical care to children with cancer in Cambodia. Our work goes beyond treatment - we focus on sustainable healthcare development by training local medical professionals, offering scholarships for future healthcare workers, and implementing nutrition and hygiene education in hospitals.
This report outlines our key activities in Japan Heart Children’s Medical Center from February to May 2025.

Key Updates

Surgical Nurse Training with JONA
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodian operating room staff had to manage surgeries without Japanese support. To enhance their skills, we formed a partnership with the Japan periOperative Nursing Academy (JONA) in December 2024.

In April 2024, a joint project team was launched.
In May 2024, JONA members visited our Children’s Medical Center in Cambodia for site observation and meetings.
Since then, regular online training has continued.
As a result, Cambodian nurses are now more confident, independent, and skilled in surgical procedures and anatomy. We continue to support them in understanding the role of nursing and fostering long-term motivation.

Scholarship Program "Yume no Kakehashi (The Bridge of Dreams)"

Based on the principle of “rebuilding their country with their own hands,” this scholarship supports rural high school students who wish to become doctors or nurses.

Started in 2011, the program selects students through home visits, academic testing, and interviews.
Funded through donations and foster sponsors, who receive quarterly updates from the students.
After university graduation and obtaining medical licenses, scholars train at Japan Heart for a period equal to half of their academic years.
The project nurtures skilled and compassionate medical professionals for the future of Cambodia.

Nutrition Program and Patient Engagement Activities
A full-time registered dietitian joined our hospital in January 2025.

We are working closely with local kitchen staff to improve hygiene standards and revise meal plans.
To provide joy to long-term pediatric patients, we organized a “make-your-own pizza” event, allowing children to decorate and enjoy their own meals.
This program supports both physical health and emotional well-being through safe, nutritious food and positive experiences.

Upcoming Goals

Locally Led Healthcare by Cambodians, for Cambodians
Doctors who have been involved since the early stages of our activities can now perform basic surgeries independently. Their growth is inspiring others, leading to increased cooperation across the entire hospital.
We remain committed to helping Cambodian healthcare workers gain the skills and confidence needed to deliver quality medical care without relying on external support.
Opening of the Japan Heart Asia Pediatric Medical Center

In October 2025, Japan Heart will open its second self-operated hospital: a 200-bed pediatric medical center near Phnom Penh. Located in Takhmao City close to Cambodia’s upcoming international airport, this new facility will significantly expand our capacity and accessibility.

With a mission to eliminate the survival gap in pediatric cancer care between developing and developed countries, the hospital will serve as a regional hub for advanced and equitable treatment, especially for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

scholarship students

Full-time registered dietitian

Links:

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