In 1992 the Zurich-born pediatrician Beat Richner (1947–2018) opened the first children’s clinic “Kantha Bopha” in Phnom Penh in war-riddled Cambodia.

In the intervening years five children’s hospitals have been established in which more than 85% of Cambodia’s sick children receive highly-qualified medical treatment free of charge. 2001 saw the opening of a maternity clinic in Siem Reap Angkor.

The organization, built up by Dr. Richner in a country marked by corruption and bitter poverty, is an outstanding example of cooperative international development. The hospitals built up and financed by Dr. Richner’s foundation have since become university clinics in which medical staff are trained for the whole of Cambodia.

This aid organization is invaluable – facts and figures speak for themselves. In 2021 alone, the five children’s hospitals (in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Angkor) and the maternity hospital in Siem Reap Angkor achieved the following results:

The Kantha Bopha hospitals are so efficient that they have the best cost/healing ratio in the world. The mortality rate in the children’s hospitals was 0.25% in 2020.

On 9 September 2018, this remarkable humanitarian ambassador of Switzerland returned to the world beyond. The pediatrician from Zurich leaves behind an exceptional life’s work. With his unceasing and unselfish commitment, he brought medical care and healing to millions of children in Cambodia over the course of 25 years, as well as relief to countless afflicted families. His accomplishments will also be a blessing for the future of the country, because the continuity of the clinics is secure. In his 25 years’ of work, Dr. Richner trained an entire generation of doctors who, together with the 2,500 staff members, will continue to handle the daily rush of some 3,000 sick children in a disciplined and well-organized manner.

www.beat-richner.ch