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From Grand Opening to Real Beginnings (November 1 – 7, 2025)

After the successful opening ceremony on October 31, our team at Japan Heart Asia Children’s Medical Center (ACMC) entered a critical phase: preparing the hospital for patients. Between November 1 and 7, final checks and installations were completed with equipment set up, hospital flow layout confirmation, and electronic medical record system deployment.

In parallel, our team began planning the safe transfer of pediatric cancer patients from the former facility, now renamed Japan Heart Medical Center (JHMC), to the new hospital. Despite challenges, everyone both Cambodian and Japanese staff shared a common goal: to make the new hospital a safe, welcoming place for children and their families.

Moving Day: Bringing Hope to New Grounds (November 7, 2025)

On the morning of November 7, about 15 pediatric cancer patients and their families boarded two buses and embarked on a journey to their new home at ACMC. Their excitement was palpable; some children arrived more than two hours early, eager to explore their new environment.

At the new hospital, staff conducted last‑minute checks on patient rooms, medical equipment, and safety protocols. When the buses arrived, children stepped out and began exploring with wide eyes playing in the spacious playroom, observing green lawns and a bright center courtyard through large windows. The atmosphere was filled with hope and relief.

A mother of one five‑year-old girl, Rachana, shared: “Since we came here, my child seems so much happier and more alive.” Such remarks warmed the hearts of our staff and reinforced our belief in the importance of building not just a hospital but a place of hope.

First Week of Outpatient Services & Growing Trust

Starting November 11, ACMC began outpatient services. The first day saw a modest number of visits but demand quickly grew. By the end of the week, the clinic saw around 30 patients per day including regular checkups for cancer survivors and new patients with fevers or abdominal pain.

One parent living just five minutes from the hospital remarked: “Before, the nearest pediatric hospital was too far. Now we can bring our children safely and easily.” Another mother said she came because she saw the hospital on Facebook and trusted a Japanese organization behind it. Some families even traveled for hours, underscoring the urgent need for accessible pediatric care.

Responding to this surge, our medical team held daily discussions, reviewing and refining workflows to ensure smooth coordination and patient comfort. They focused on delivering not just treatment, but trust and reassurance, creating a medical environment where families feel safe.

Hope and Healing Beyond Medicine

Inside the pediatric cancer ward, warmth and life began to fill the new facility. On one evening, a small music session was organized by Dr. Laksmei and former nurse Ms. K. In the bright playroom, children shyly picked up ukuleles or gently listened to music, their smiles spreading to parents and staff alike. The experience turned into a moment of comfort, shared healing, and hope in their new home.

Building a Hospital of Healing and Family – Not Just Treatment

More than just delivering medical care, ACMC is meant to be a place where children and their families feel safe, seen, and supported. With every successful transfer, outpatient visit, and cheerful moment, the hospital begins to live up to that vision. We believe that what started as a facility is already becoming a community.

Gratitude & Commitment

From the founding dream to reality, the journey to this point has involved countless people; they are our staff, supporters, donors, and most importantly, the children and families we serve.

As we move forward, we remain committed to providing compassionate, high‑quality pediatric care, nurturing hope, and creating a future where health and opportunity are not determined by birthplace.

We invite all supporters and well‑wishers to watch over this journey and continue to stand with us.