Cambodia's Premier Hun Manet Unveils Health Sector Strategy: Bridging Gaps and Enhancing Specialization

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has outlined the strategy for developing the healthcare sector during the 7th mandate, emphasizing a dual approach of strengthening grassroots healthcare and enhancing specialized medical services. This was stated on June 16 during the official inauguration ceremony of 'Luang Mea Hospital', a facility dedicated to cancer treatment. Regarding the strengthening of grassroots healthcare, the Prime Minister indicated a focus on improving the capabilities of medical personnel at health posts, health centers, and district referral hospitals. Concurrently, for specialized fields requiring advanced expertise and significant investment, such as oncology and cardiology, the government plans to establish a tiered system of specialized medical care, ranging from the national to regional and provincial levels. He stressed that these areas necessitate substantial resources, long-term training, and utmost attention to quality and efficiency. Furthermore, he noted that significant achievements have been made in the healthcare sector over the past three years of the 7th mandate. Specifically, he revealed that 522 doctors, nurses, and midwives have been selected and deployed to ensure 24-hour medical service provision. Of these, 82 are permanent staff and 440 are contract employees. Prime Minister Hun Manet also indicated his intention to personally inspect the operational status of health centers, even at late hours, to verify their 24-hour service claims, demonstrating a strong commitment to the effective implementation of healthcare services. The Minister of Health has previously stated that nearly 100% of health centers nationwide are already operating 24 hours a day. Source: CEN Cambodia