The Health Ministry and the Pasteur Institute opened the first rabies prevention centre in Battambang on Thursday after observing a growing demand for vaccination in the province.

Ministry spokeswoman Or Vandin said the Battambang centre’s opening will also be convenient for people living in neighbouring provinces.

“Now, those in Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pailin and Kampong Chhnang provinces, can go to Battambang rather than travel to Phnom Penh,” she said.

Previously, patients who got rabies would travel to the capital for vaccination. The centre brings the service closer to the people in the province, she added. Vandin said 22,000 people took rabies vaccine last year.