Health officials in Oddar Meanchey province on July 18 had been honoured for their significant contributions in combating Covid-19. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Over 600 health officials in Oddar Meanchey province have been praised for their efforts in tackling Covid-19. The commendations, awarded by the Ministry of Health, are also set to be given to other dedicated healthcare workers across Cambodia’s state-run hospitals and provinces.
On July 18, Pen Kosal, the provincial governor of Oddar Meanchey, announced that all health workers had been honoured for their significant contributions in combating the virus.
He underscored that this recognition mirrors the government’s attention towards the health and welfare of medical professionals, frequently dubbed the “white-clad army”.
These accolades acknowledge the crucial role and responsibility healthcare workers have had in curtailing the spread of Covid-19.
“Their success at this time was not an accident, nor spontaneous, but came from their physical and mental sacrifices and professional responsibilities. All of our heroic health officials have also accepted the challenges and risks without hesitation,” Kosal declared.
In his speech, he extended gratitude to the medical staff on behalf of the residents and the provincial administration. They have persevered through numerous challenges, from staffing shortages to lacking key facilities, including communicable disease units, emergency buildings, medical equipment, quarantine centres, and beds.
Yet, with the determined efforts of the government, donors and development partners, Kosal affirmed that the community spread of Covid-19 had been brought under control.
Or Vandine, health ministry secretary of state and spokeswoman, was unavailable for comment, due to being in a meeting.
Meanwhile, health minister Mam Bun Heng, head of the inter-ministerial committee to combat Covid-19, has already extended these acknowledgements nationwide.
The honour has reached health officials across the country, including those in Phnom Penh, Prey Veng, Takeo, Battambang, Pursat, Banteay Meanchey, Koh Kong, Tbong Khmum, Kampot, Kep, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Stung Treng, Sihanoukville, Pailin, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Kampong Chhnang, and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
The ministry also confirmed that leaders and health workers from a host of prestigious hospitals and institutes, such as the National Pediatric Hospital, Cambodia-China Friendship Hospital Preah Kosomak, the National Maternal and Child Health Centre and the University of Health Sciences, were among those to receive this public commendation.
