Healing with Heart: UP Health Students Lead Community Mission in Takeo

TAKEO, February 25, 2026 — Bridging the gap between the classroom and the clinic, 12 dedicated health science students from the University of Puthisastra (UP) embarked on a vital community service mission to the Hope for Happiness Organization in Trambok District. This mission, led by the UP Department of Student Services, brought essential medical attention to a rural community while providing students with invaluable field experience.

Frontline Health Services

The mission utilized the specialized skills of students from both the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy, focusing on two primary areas of intervention:

• Physical Check-ups: Students conducted general health screenings, allowing them to practice diagnostic techniques and patient assessment in a real-world setting.
• Health Education: Providing the community with the knowledge needed to prevent common illnesses, improve hygiene, and manage chronic conditions.

The “UP Mission” in Action

From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, this initiative represents the “Gold Standard” of service-learning. Beyond the medical procedures, the mission achieved several key educational milestones:

1. Patient Communication: Students learned how to explain complex medical concepts to rural community members with empathy and clarity.
2. Rural Healthcare Insights: Experiencing the specific challenges faced by patients in Takeo helps future doctors and pharmacists understand the broader Cambodian healthcare landscape.
3. Civic Responsibility: Engaging in “Hope for Happiness” reinforces the commitment of the UP community to contribute positively to Cambodian society.

We salute the 12 health heroes and the staff at UP for their dedication to the “Community Service Mission”—proving that at University of Puthisastra, healthcare is a mission, not just a major.