October 2020

Dear friends and supporters,

In the western countries of North America, October through December are months of thanksgiving – months when we look at our blessings and give thanks. This month I give special thanks for the developments at the Nokor Tep Women’s Hospital. With the onset of the Covid virus, Cambodia, like all nations, went through a trying time. The impact on the Nokor Tep Women’s Hospital was dramatic as the pandemic took hold of the people. Very few patients were willing to take a risk of going to a hospital. Initially, our response was also dramatic – we closed the laboratory, put our staff on half pay and took measures to protect the financial viability through a very trying three months.

Those fearful months are past and we are moving forward. I am extremely thankful to the staff for standing with us - so very grateful that everyone is back on full pay. I am extremely thankful to the hospital management team for bearing through the tough time and re-opening the laboratory. I am extremely thankful for my co-founders, Phavi and Sieng for finding a kind benefactor to secure the immediate financial needs of the hospital.

What does all this mean? It is with much pleasure and humbleness that I am able to share with each of you the opening of the maternity, surgical and ICU components – components that will enable Nokor Tep Hospital to be open 24/7. This will begin before the end of November.

We have hired the necessary staff for this work to happen – from obstetricians, gynecologist, surgeons, anesthesiologist, nurses and support staff – sufficient to enable us to do our work fully.

Our units are almost fully outfitted – delivery, surgical and ICU units. The proper oxygen and gas lines are operational; ensuring clean, purified areas for specialized work. We have received the gift of an ambulance – a gift that will enable us to move our patients safely – a gift that will enable us to do outreach to villages in far flung areas. We have received and continue to receive life giving equipment from our Australian supporters – gifts that enable us to function well.

We are so thankful to each of you who have made this possible through your financial, emotional, practical and spiritual support. None of this would have happened without you.

The patients have returned and the numbers are growing. A partner organization called SHE have recently sponsored 100 poor women from outlying villages to come and be diagnosed and treated. How good is that!

We are aware that to grow and become fully sustainable, to do our vision of reaching out to all women, we still need your help. In this season of thanksgiving we would ask you to stand with us in the following ways:

For those of you who would like to stand with us on an annual basis become an Executive Supporter:

It is the time of thanksgiving – a time when I thank my God for my fellow founders; for the hospital management staff; for each of you who have made this all possible. How good is that:

Janne Ritskes

To make donations: Please specify Nokor Tep Hospital and which gift you have chosen

Canada – The link for Canada is https://tabitha.ca/donate-now/

UK – The Link for the UK: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/tabitha-cambodia

Australia – The Link for Australia: https://tabithaaustralia.org.au/donate-now/

USA – Currently Tabitha USA is unable to receive donations for Nokor Tep Women’s Hospital. We are looking for volunteers to assist us to set up a separate charity for the Nokor Tep Women’s Hospital. If you are interested please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In the meantime, for all Americans who would like to donate – please donate through Canada