Pichey Rangsey Health Program

The Pichey Rangsey school health program was commenced in 2011 and is now fully funded by Friends of Pichey Rangsey.

Many of the children are from areas where farm and domestic animals are sheltered beneath the house, and sometimes within, and children are exposed to parasite infection which inhibits physical development. Within two years of the start of the program, the proportion of underweight children had been halved and a dramatic improvement in alertness and attentiveness was observed. The children now have an annual medical examination and receive dental treatment.

The health program is administered by Gloria Christie, an Australian practitioner living in Phnom Penh. She and her clinic staff attend the school annually for 3 or 4 days. Each child is provided with parasite treatment, vitamin A and Folic Acid (for those with iron deficiency), and fluoride treatment of their teeth. They have an examination of head, eyes, mouth and skin condition, and height and weight is measured. Dr Christie identifies when a child requires further medical intervention and what action should be taken. (Friends have been proactive in arranging for the treatment of two more serious medical conditions in recent years) A medical history is kept for each child providing a detailed report on the examination results.

Over the 6 years of a child’s attendance at the school the preventative treatment, medical intervention and lessons in the why-and-how of personal body and dental hygiene make a major difference to the long-term welfare of the children.  The benefit is clear in the years of medical records we now have and the anecdotal evidence of visitors to the school observing the children, their physical health and behaviour. The health program makes a real difference. It is given priority in Friends’ funding for the school.