PM Hun Manet Urges Medical Professionals to Possess Expertise and 'Heart,' Emphasizing Principles of Early Detection, Referral, and Treatment

Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia urged leaders, officials, and all staff at Hla May Hospital to continue fulfilling their duties with morality and professionalism, prioritizing patients' lives as the utmost benefit for both the unit and themselves. He emphasized that a good doctor must possess both expertise and a compassionate heart, and must adhere to the 'three quick' principles: quick detection, quick referral, and quick treatment. The Prime Minister made these remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of Hla May Hospital, a specialized cancer treatment facility located in Prei Sak village, Dangkor district, Phnom Penh, on the morning of September 16, 2026. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that time is crucial for patients, especially concerning the ability to treat severe emergencies on-site. He often says that doctors are not gods but the executors of gods, helping to alleviate the suffering of the critically ill and saving those at risk of losing their lives. He affirmed, "Therefore, effectiveness, capability, plus ethics and professionalism are the primary tasks for all of us. I believe that all doctors who study medicine do so out of love, not solely because this profession earns a lot. While a comfortable livelihood is one aspect, the important thing is the desire to help human lives. It's not easy to give birth, and it can be dangerous." The Prime Minister also mentioned that in many countries lacking safety and sufficient midwives, mothers sometimes die during childbirth. Regarding cancer, the Prime Minister stressed that accurate diagnosis is crucial. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, they should not wait until Stage 4. From the initial symptoms, patients must be advised to be cautious, guided on dietary habits, and informed to avoid increasing their risk. He described this as the capability and responsibility of professional doctors, acting as executors of the divine to help people. The Prime Minister further emphasized, "Life is precious. Nothing is more important than saving a life. Nothing has the same value as life, which must be protected." In this regard, Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that the government of the 7th mandate of the National Assembly continues to consider human capital development as the number one priority. This includes enhancing the healthcare sector and improving the public health system through expanding healthcare infrastructure closer to the people, upgrading specialized equipment to be more modern and advanced, building human resources with competence, ethics, and professionalism, and developing a social protection system that is equitable, sustainable, and in line with the slogan, "Investment in the health sector is an investment in life, labor, human resources, and the nation's equitable and sustainable development." The Prime Minister also informed that the government has studied and implemented essential policy frameworks, including the Health Strategy Plan 2025-2030 and the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030. These aim to prevent avoidable diseases, reduce premature deaths, increase survival opportunities, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families with effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and equity, particularly accelerating universal health coverage in Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored that the government continues to prioritize strengthening institutional capacity, improving governance at health facilities, and promoting digitalization in Cambodia's public health sector. This includes expanding innovative healthcare delivery systems, focusing on primary healthcare, promoting healthy diets, enhancing the quality, safety, and effectiveness of healthcare services, and ensuring the proper distribution and use of medicines. Concurrently, health education and dissemination will be strengthened, along with accountability for achievements, policies, and strategic health plans. By: Rithy © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) 2018