The Mercy Medical Centre Cambodia (MMCC) has announced it will provide free medication for patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Established in 2006, MMCC has a unique patient referral system, partnering with local NGOs, churches, and Christian mission organisations for patient care.
Khorn Phearoum, a former family medicine resident doctor, explained that leukemia falls into four major categories: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). CML is most common in adults and older individuals.
He emphasised that CML patients must be certain of their diagnosis in order to access free medication at MMCC.
“MMCC provides free medication, but consultations at the centre come at a fixed cost. The charitable provision of medicine is made possible through generous donations, considering their high market price,” he explained.
Phearoum explained that CML patients typically spend a minimum of $200 per month on medical treatment to sustain their health.
“If patients cease medication without medical guidance, typically after about a year, their abdomen may begin to enlarge again, and white blood cell counts can rise,” he said.
“Unfortunately, even if they resume medication, its effectiveness diminishes, leading to increased resistance. Therefore, it’s crucial for all CML patients to adhere to the regime directed by their physician to prevent potential complications,” he added.
According to the MMCC’s 2020 Annual Report, the centre has 123 staff members who provided treatment to over 21,000 patients and nurture partnerships with 170 local churches and organisations for patient referrals.
