Minister of Health Chheang Ra announced that in the first six months of the seventh-mandate government, medical facilities have been expanded nationwide to enhance health services for local people, bringing them up to urban standards.

Citing an example during a press conference after the ministry’s annual meeting on March 18, Ra said that in this period, the ministry transformed a simple health centre into the Kandieng Referral Hospital in Pursat province.

He also noted that 14 new health centres and 10 new health posts were established. 

“These centres represent important progress, as we have developed the human resources to [utilise them]. We are progressively expanding health coverage to all medical facilities, particularly in remote areas. This remains a key focus,” he stated.

Ra emphasised the ministry’s commitment to advancing towards universal health coverage, a fundamental component of improving people’s lives and well-being and a crucial factor in human resource development and sustainable economic growth. 

“Our goal is to operate all health centres 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For over six months, the [ministry] has been diligently working to achieve round-the-clock operation. I hope all centres will redouble their efforts to provide excellent and sustainable service to the public,” he said.

Nuth Sambath, president of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, stated that the government is vigorously implementing the first phase of its Pentagonal Strategy concerning the sector and noted its keen focus on public health issues. 

“The Cambodian health system is currently enhancing its capacity, quality, safety and effectiveness, and expanding healthcare coverage to fulfil the government’s policy,” he added.

He also remarked on the critical importance of reinforcing the sector’s resilience, as part of the first phase of the strategy, with a particular focus on improving public health and well-being.