Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 19 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that approximately USD 150 million in Japanese aid will be allocated to construct regional hospitals in Kampong Cham and Siem Reap, aiming to enhance healthcare services for the population. These two regional hospitals are expected to be operational within the next two to three years.

The premier spoke on Tuesday (Mar. 19) during the closing 2023 annual meeting of the Ministry of Health at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "On 14 March, the Ministry of Economy and Finance signed a concessional loan agreement with JICA to develop two regional hospital projects in Kampong Cham and Kampong Chhnang. Regarding Siem Reap [...] We are now initiating the enhancement of regional hospitals, ensuring that as capacity grows, hospitals can also expand their capabilities in tandem with decentralization. The combined value of the two announced capacities amounts to USD 141 million. Transforming these two hospitals into regional facilities."

Samdech Thipadei further added that the initiatives to reinforce regional hospitals aim to alleviate the challenges and overcrowding experienced by national hospitals, particularly addressing the plight of sick individuals who currently face the burden of traveling long distances to seek medical care.

At the same time, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that in the future, the Royal Government will set up regional hospitals in other locations, as it is important to invest in people's health. Consequently, in the future, individuals residing in provinces who require special treatments such as heart surgery or cancer care can access treatment in their own provinces.

The initiatives to enhance hospitals at the regional and provincial levels will also narrow the gap in medical standards among the people. Regarding the endeavours to enhance the healthcare sector in Cambodia, the Royal Government of Cambodia has been diligently working since the previous term and will persist in these efforts to enhance the well-being of the Cambodian people.

Premier Hun Manet further added that the construction of regional hospitals in Kampong Cham and Siem Reap is valued at USD 141 million. Consequently, it is anticipated that within the next two to three years, patients will be able to receive treatment at these hospitals, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to the National Hospital in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet further added that the continuous strengthening of the healthcare sector in Cambodia across successive mandates, aiming to enhance the capacity for treating individuals and gradually decentralizing responsibilities and medical expertise to local levels. This aligns with the objectives of the Royal Government of Cambodia under the leadership of the Cambodian People's Party.

It should be noted that during the working meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on 13 March 2024, Former Japanese Foreign Minister Komura Masahiko underscored the intention to strengthen the relationship and cooperation in key areas with the Royal Government of Cambodia. The announcement included assistance of approximately USD 150 million for the construction of regional hospitals.
=FRESH NEWS