Cambodia Strengthens Drug Management, Emphasizes Ethics and Responsibility for Pharmacists

In Kandal Province, Cambodia, Deputy Governor Khruy Malen has urged all pharmacists to practice their profession with integrity and a high sense of responsibility, prioritizing the health and lives of patients above all else. He stressed the absolute avoidance of any behavior or activity that could harm the honor and dignity of the pharmacy profession. The Deputy Governor made these remarks during a meeting and dissemination session with pharmacists responsible for pharmacy technical affairs in Kandal Province. The event, organized by the Kandal Provincial Department of Health, aimed to strengthen professional ethics and enhance understanding of the law on managing health professionals, thereby ensuring the safety, well-being, and effectiveness of healthcare services provided to the public. He emphasized the need for pharmacists to meticulously verify the origin of medicines, strictly avoiding the circulation of counterfeit drugs, unregistered drugs, expired medications, or substandard pharmaceutical products. "Integrity is the foundation of trust," he stated, adding that pharmacists and healthcare professionals should refrain from providing misleading information about the efficacy or safety of medicines, avoid encouraging unnecessary drug use, and not engage in actions that inappropriately influence the decisions of patients or other healthcare professionals. He underscored that accuracy, transparency, and accountability are essential when disseminating and providing information about pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the Deputy Governor reminded pharmacists that patients are not merely "customers." Therefore, all dispensing of medication and professional advice must be based on safety, efficacy, quality, integrity, and responsibility. Dr. Keam Piseth, Acting Director of the Provincial Department of Health, provided an overview of Kandal Province's health infrastructure, detailing 10 district health offices, 11 referral hospitals (including two Level 3, two Level 2, and seven Level 1), 112 health centers, and 4 health posts, with a total of 956 hospital beds across the province. This initiative is part of Cambodia's broader efforts to enhance drug quality and safety and improve healthcare services for its citizens. The focus on combating counterfeit and substandard medicines addresses a significant public health concern prevalent in many regions.