Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed the Ministry of Health to fortify health measures, improve services at referral hospitals and boost medical treatment capacity for citizens through a prepared action plan. 

This instruction, given during the inauguration ceremony of the Choeung Ek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Phnom Penh on December 27, highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing local health services.

“I had a meeting with Health Minister Chheang Ra and the working group to discuss ways to bolster essential health measures at the local level. We’re focusing on enhancing referral hospitals at levels 1, 2 and 3, and we’re preparing an action plan for implementation. This aims to encourage these facilities to offer improved services, responding to the needs of our people,” he said.

Manet noted the importance of increasing treatment capacity in referral hospitals and health centres. While treatment is crucial, he said, the government’s primary focus is on disease prevention, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding public health.

“We aim to prevent illness by boosting the economy, ensuring access to good nutrition. Our focus on increasing nutrition is key to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of our people,” he said.

The prime minister said that if prevention is not possible, the primary objective is to establish an effective healthcare system to ensure people lead healthy lives.

“For the last 40 years, our ongoing mission has been a significant one. The seventh-mandate government is fully dedicated to enhancing the quality, health, capacity and livelihood of our people. It’s a commitment we stand by,” he said.

On December 27, Kuong Lo, director of the Preah Vihear provincial health department, said that health centres and municipal-provincial referral hospitals consistently adhere to the guidelines and recommendations from the ministry and provincial authorities.

He noted that Preah Vihear province boasts two referral hospitals, 30 health centres and 16 health posts. The health services provided in both the referral hospitals and health centres prioritise quality and efficiency in serving the community.

“As the leader of the provincial health department, my focus is consistently on delivering top-notch, efficient, fair and secure services to the people. I am actively engaged, personally visiting referral hospitals and health centres to emphasise the importance of providing excellent services to our community,” he said.

Lo said that, with encouragement from the prime minister and the guidance of the ministry’s leadership, the provincial health department is committed to training medics in referral hospitals and health centres. The goal is to enhance their capabilities in delivering health services to the people.

Yi Kimthan, deputy country director for programmes at Plan International Cambodia, noted the significance of the government’s investment in food security and nutrition. This investment, he said, is fundamental in building healthy human resources that will drive the country’s future development.

“When our people are healthy, it’s a boon for economic well-being. In this investment, both the health and education ministries need to take steps to ensure the health of young students at schools, with a special focus on effective food management,” he said.

He said that proper nutrition management also plays a crucial role in preventing illness and diseases, significantly improving public health.