New Tuberculosis Ward & Laboratory
Project AIM: To replace the existing district Tuberculosis (TB) ward and laboratory building at Peam Oknha Ong with a purpose built, low maintenance, durable facility by July 2004
Asian Outreach Cambodia (AOC) has worked for many years in the district of Lvea Em, in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Health and the district health authorities. Peam Oknha Ong is the current location of the district health hospital and office. Last year, there were 197 cases of Tuberculosis in the Lvea Em district. AOC already subsidizes the salaries of 10 TB workers who are based at the district hospital but travel throughout the nine districts in Lvea Em, visiting and following TB patients.
The idea of replacing the existing Tuberculosis ward at Oknha Ong is a joint decision between the district health
authorities and AOC. The existing building is pre Pol Pot. The building is made of wood and is very run down.
The district health authorities have drawn up a basic plan and design for a suitable replacement building, with costing, for AOC to consider. We have taken these original plans and developed them further, but in keeping the same style of building.
AOC has now contracted an independent Australian construction company based in Phnom Penh to do the building. Construction starts 1st March.
Immediate results:
- A modern laboratory testing facility, servicing the entire district of Lvea Em
- Children with TB in Lvea Em district will be able to be treated at Peam Oknha Ong instead of having to cross the Mekong river and traveling to Phnom Penh for treatment which on average can take 3 hours.
- Improved treatment and care of adult patients.
- Improved facilities for patients families/caregivers
- Testing of blood for TB and other diseases can be carried out immediately on site instead of being transported to Phnom Penh for testing.
Long term benefits:
- Improved diagnosis and treatment of TB
- Reduction of the incidence of TB in Lvea Em district
- A durable, low maintenance facility