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Like many patients in Cambodia, Hong, 31-year-old, had a long journey to find treatment for his illness. A month ago, Hong started experiencing fever and joint pain – especially in his left shoulder – headaches, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. He visited two (2) clinics for help. At first, he was diagnosed with a compressed nerve and was given medicine to treat it. At the second clinic, doctors performed the blood tests and x-rays and diagnosed Hong with pneumonia, hospitalizing him for four (4) days.
At this point, Hong had paid $500 and was still not better. For a road construction worker earning $180 a month, the cost of this care was significantly high.
Eventually, Hong came to the Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope (SHCH). With the diagnostic services available, Hong had an x-ray, CT scan, and blood tests examined for signs of Burkholderia bacterial infection, which is under-diagnosed in Cambodia. Fortunately, this neglected tropical disease is one of SHCH's research specialties, and Hong finally received a complete diagnosis and treatment. Hong did have a Burkholderia infection, along with pneumonia that was causing sepsis and fever. The pain in his left shoulder was due to an abscess.
With a complete diagnosis, Hong is now finally receiving the correct treatment for his condition. He has stayed on the SHCH medical ward for two weeks now, receiving medicine and IV fluids, and his condition is improving every day.
Hong is grateful for the care he has received, saying: 'I love this Hospital for its quality of care and service level they provided for the patients. All of the doctors are friendly to the patients all of the time. After I go home, I will tell my friends and neighbors about this Hospital. It saved my life.'