Thea Kruy was speaking at the 4th paediatric conference “Exchanging practical experiences of neonatal and paediatric care”, co-hosted on October 1 by the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH) and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) in Cambodia. NPH
Thea Kruy, Ministry of Health secretary of state and chairman of the National Medical Council, said medics, nurses and midwives are core elements of the Kingdom’s healthcare sector that determine the success of treatment.
Kruy was speaking at the 4th paediatric conference “Exchanging practical experiences of neonatal and paediatric care”, co-hosted on October 1 by the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH) and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) in Cambodia.
“As a doctor with experience treating the sick, I know that the staff who support doctors – including nurses and midwives – are crucial to treatment. Once a doctor has prescribed a treatment plan, it is often the other staff that are responsible for its success or failure. This is something we should all bear in mind,” he said.
NPH director Nhep Angkeabos said the ministry had offered the hospital the opportunity to take an active part in developing the quality of health services and strengthening the capacities of its medical staff.
“The purpose of this conference is not just to share experiences by well-known speakers, but to also focus on experience exchanges. These will help to strengthen capacities and will identify areas which require improvement. We must pay close attention to enhancing the quality of the services we provide – and should be working on maintaining a culture of sharing knowledge and supporting one another,” he continued.
Angkeabos added that since the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the hospital and KOFIH in late 2019, the NPH has helped to train 40 doctors, nurses and midwives in clinical skills in caring for infants.
He said that 20 doctors and 20 nurses and midwives had come from referral hospitals in Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Ratanakkiri, Banteay Meanchey, Stung Treng, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Prey Veng, Takeo, Oddar Meanchey, and Mondulkiri provinces.
“Our hospital is setting an example for others to follow. Providing training to medical staff in other provinces means they will be better equipped to treat their patients,” he added.
KOFIH country representative Kim Sang-gyeun said his organisation has been working on promoting the health of mothers and infants since 2011. The organisation has cooperated with national-level partners to take care of infants and the World Health Organization in Cambodia to reduce child mortality rates in the country.
He added that the conference would contribute to an increase in clinical skills and knowledge through exchanges of experiences. In particular, it was a good opportunity for younger medical staff to update their knowledge.
Health ministry secretary of state York Sambath said cooperation with China, Japan, South Korea, the US and Australia had contributed to the development of Cambodia’s health systems.
“Those friendly countries have assisted us in building health infrastructure and strengthening the capacities of our officials. They have also supplied us with a large amount of medication and medical equipment,” she added.
