Cambodia Health Ministry Encourages Public Hospital Use to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Professor Mok Thavy, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Health and a board member of the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, encouraged citizens to continue using public hospital services, which are continuously being developed and strengthened. This initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses by utilizing the Equity Fund and the Social Security Scheme (B.S.S.). During his visit to inspect and monitor healthcare services at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital on July 24, Professor Thavy stated that the capabilities of Cambodian doctors are on par with those in other countries. He emphasized that they possess high knowledge, expertise, and extensive experience, enabling them to provide quality and safe treatment in accordance with national and international standards. Concurrently, Professor Thavy instructed hospital leaders in various departments to further enhance the quality of healthcare services, improve patient reception systems, increase staff capacity, strengthen professional ethics, and foster good communication with patients and their families. This is to build public confidence in Cambodia's healthcare system, aligning with the vision and policies of the government and the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, Professor Thavy recommended that the hospital continue to expand and strengthen its healthcare services, promote innovation in service delivery, and develop highly capable human resources in line with the advancements in the health sector. During the inspection, Professor Thavy examined key departments of the hospital, including the emergency and initial reception department, surgical department, obstetrics and gynecology department, and pediatrics department. He also visited the neurosurgery operating room and the kidney transplant operating preparation room located in the newly constructed Peace and Chey Santhea building. The inspection focused on the organization of the patient reception system, the service delivery flow, the quality of treatment, resource utilization, and patient safety to ensure that healthcare services are provided effectively and meet the needs of the people.