Empowering Independence: Bringing Prosthetic and Orthotic Services Closer to Communities

With support from the Australian Government through ACCESS 2, Exceed Worldwide is transforming lives in northeastern Cambodia. Between 15–17 July 2025, Exceed organised Open Day sessions in Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces, showcasing the Prosthetic and Orthotic (P&O) Services Unit at Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital, established in October 2024 through collaboration with the Provincial Health Department and ACCESS 2 funding. This initiative marks a major step in making essential rehabilitation services accessible locally.

The sessions aimed to encourage early referrals to the Kratie facility. Early intervention with prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive devices is crucial for continuous care, enabling individuals to regain independence and reintegrate confidently into their communities.

Exceed displayed a variety of devices, such as prostheses and orthoses, to assist those recovering from conditions like stroke, diabetes, fractures, and neurological disorders. These devices significantly enhance mobility and accelerate recovery.

Participants included Deputy Provincial Governors, Directors of Provincial Health Departments, representatives from Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, hospital staff, development partners, and disability organisations, showing collective commitment to improving rehabilitation services in the region.

His Excellency Thong Srann, Deputy Provincial Governor of Stung Treng, stated: “This session contributes greatly to our partnership with the government, bringing critical services closer to the people. Our team is committed to ensuring timely access to quality rehabilitation.”

Her Excellency Nhean Titchenda, Deputy Provincial Governor of Ratanakiri, added: “We greatly appreciate ACCESS 2 and Exceed Worldwide’s efforts. We strongly support making rehabilitation services accessible to people with disabilities through local health referrals.”

Her Excellency Vin Sithoun, Deputy Provincial Governor of Mondulkiri, emphasised: “These services help patients, and their families return to everyday life. We look forward to Exceed expanding their reach to benefit more communities in Mondulkiri.”

The sessions drew strong participation across all three provinces, with 30 attendees (including 12 women) in Stung Treng, 36 (10 women) in Ratanakiri, and 31 (9 women) in Mondulkiri. Notably, among these participants were 10 people with disabilities (5 women) and 6 indigenous individuals (2 women), whose active involvement is essential in creating stronger, more inclusive links between medical treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.

The Open Day events successfully raised awareness among medical professionals, highlighting the importance of integrating P&O services into healthcare. Notably, two indigenous individuals received immediate assistance, including casting, and will soon receive their custom devices.

Exceed will now strengthen the links between medical treatment and P&O services, including regular hospital visits and joint client evaluations. These steps ensure continuity of care, empowering more Cambodians to reclaim their independence and rejoin their communities confidently.

ACCESS 2 is an Australian Government-funded initiative implemented by Exceed Worldwide.