The Children’s Health Centre, also known as the Hippocrates Centre, comprises a Day centre providing therapy and treatment for 0-15s and training courses to teach the latest techniques to a number of students.

The day care centre treats approximately 180 children a year who suffer from problems of the central nervous system, cerebral motor infirmity, neuromuscular pathology, cardiovascular, scoliosis and respiratory diseases. As well developing their own reputation amongst local families, Hippocrates also receives referrals from GPs across Chisinau for essential treatment.

Treatment is for the poorest families who could not afford to pay for this treatment.

Children attend the centre for 90-minute sessions and usually move between different therapies. Treatment is very focused and aims at specific illnesses using non-invasive treatments. The standard of care provided is very high and not available elsewhere. Parents are taught how to administer specific therapies required for the child’s care and rehabilitation.

The training courses teach students and medical staff how to work with children with locomotion disabilities. Professional and organisational training is key to the future vision of the centre.

Hippocrates staff are also situated in 3 schools providing appropriate treatment to seriously disabled children.

Tony Hawks, comedian, songwriter and tv/radio personality introduced the Health Centre to ChildAid - see his website for his own account and more from the project partner, Diana Covalciuc. http://www.tony-hawks.com

Future:

Hippocrates operates from a small apartment and is thus restricted as to the number of children treated and the extent of care that can be offered. A new premises will offer more therapy rooms and it is hoped will include a hydro-therapy pool.

ChildAid is seeking to develop an “holistic” care approach from birth to adolescence incorporating early intervention, rehabilitation therapy, and social/educational inclusion. Hippocrates would play a key role in this strategy.

Website: http://chcmoldova.md