The new maternity ward at the National Paediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 20. The state-of-the-art ward is equipped with more than 100 beds.

Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng said at the ceremony that the modern equipment and digital management systems of the new ward will contribute to improving the wellbeing of mothers and children.

“The health sector is a priority area of government strategy,” he said.

Hun Sen lauded the achievement that the hospital represented.

“All of our paediatric specialties are centralised here. Capacity building in all areas of health is very important and over the past years, we have achieved a lot, through investment and assistance,” he said.

He urged medical personnel to adhere to their professional ethics.

According to the ministry, the four-story building is 15m x 60m. Construction – which was entirely funded by the government – began in February 2021 and was completed in September last year.

With the assistance of the Czech Republic, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment which will allow for paediatric consulting, antenatal check-ups, paediatric immunisation, maternity and postpartum complications.

The premier said that while he does not consider the people of Cambodia to be his children and grandchildren, he feels the responsibility to protect them as though they were.

“It is sometimes frightening to be responsible for the safety of so many, but it is my duty and I accept it. I am also proud to announce that no Covid-19 transmissions were recorded over the recent Khmer New Year,” he added.

At the same time, he reminded the public of the need to continue to exercise caution, which they could do so by adhering to preventive measures.

Hun Sen also urged anyone who suspected they may have been exposed to the virus to take responsibility for themselves and seek testing.

During the new year period, more than 13 million domestic trips were made across the country, and he complimented the public on their conduct over the holiday.

“I wish good health and prosperity to all of my countrymen,” he said.

On April 19, the prime minister announced in a special audio address that Cambodia would waive the remaining Covid-19 precautionary measures, including the use of masks and rapid testing at large gatherings and certain establishments, although he noted that such measures remained optional.

“It is important that everyone remember that although we appear to have won many battles against the coronavirus and many of its variants, including Alpha, Delta and Omicron, the war is not over. Despite the gradual easing of health measures, everyone should bear in mind that the virus still exists in many forms,” he said.

According to the health ministry on April 19, Cambodia had no active Covid cases. The official record still stands at 138,726, with 135,670 recoveries and 3,056 fatalities.