The Ministry of Health is set to begin efforts to enhance the implementation of service quality standards at healthcare centres in several provinces.

Ministry secretary of state Or Vandine announced that the initiative will focus on centres in 13 provinces. According to her October 4 social media post, they include Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Tbong Khmum, Kratie, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces.

The primary objectives of the programme include reviewing plans, responsibilities, roles and checklists at all healthcare centres.

“In collaboration with the provincial health departments, we will support, enhance and strengthen their operations,” she explained.

Keo Vannak, director of the Tbong Khmum provincial health department, reiterated on October 5 that the government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I aims to expand the delivery of health services, with a particular emphasis on regional health centres.

He added that the department is making efforts to strengthen the quality of its services. It convenes regular meetings to assess the outcome of these efforts, as well as gauge the public’s perception of it.

He explained that officials frequently oversaw many areas of service – including outpatient counselling, malnutrition, infant and maternity services and non-communicable disease prevention – and identified challenges encountered, both by the facilities and the beneficiaries of their services.

“As we identify these challenges, the ministry revises its policies to enhance the quality of services,” he said.

Vannak did not disclose the precise date of the ministry’s upcoming visit, but noted that his province boasts a total of one provincial hospital, six district hospitals and 74 health centres.

Yang Kim Eng, president of the People’s Centre for Development and Peace, commended the ministry’s proposed enhancement of provincial health centres. He noted that in neighbouring countries, district hospitals and health centres are dependable sources of medical services.

He suggested that Cambodia begin to instil public trust in provincial hospitals, saying that establishing this trust should begin with positive attitudes among medical professionals.

He added that the ministry should provide provincial hospitals with increased human resources, budgetary allocations, medical equipment and training.