Prime Minister Hun Manet has explained that the majority of Cambodians seek medical treatment at local hospitals, with only a small portion receiving treatment abroad.

Speaking at the March 13 inauguration of the Techo Sen Koh Thom hospital in Kandal province, Manet noted that some commentators have criticised the Kingdom’s claims of a vastly improved healthcare system.

“They ask why so many Cambodians travel overseas to get treatment if the health system here has improved so much? I say we must consider the small percentage of people who travel abroad for healthcare, and compare it to the millions who are treated locally. It is a tiny portion,” he said.

“Our local medical teams treat millions of people every year, although people who have the resources to travel abroad sometimes do so. Many Canadians go to the US for medical services, while Americans often go elsewhere. Even some Japanese people fly overseas to access healthcare, if they have the ability,” he added.

Manet noted the rapid improvement of the Cambodian healthcare sector, noting that some foreigners have even sought treatment in the Kingdom.

He gave examples of several cases where this has occurred, from heart operation down to dental services.

He also described how several South Korean doctors had offered their appreciation for Cambodian medics, while acknowledging a lack of modern equipment.