Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded to the Ministry of Health's proposal to extend the duration of medical students' studies from 6 to 8 years. Samdech Thipadei rejected the proposal, citing concerns about wasting time and resources.

The premier spoke on Thursday (Mar. 20) during the closing ceremony of 2024 Ministry of Civil Service annual meeting at Premier Centre Sen Sok in Phnom Penh.

Samdech Thipadei underlined the importance of improving the quality and capabilities of medical students but disagreed with extending the study period. Instead, he proposed integrating additional lessons within the existing 6-year curriculum.

The Ministry of Health had suggested extending the study period to 8 years, believing that this would strengthen the training capacity of Specialist Doctors (DES).

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “Minister Chheang Ra and some doctors mentioned that DES students are not adequately prepared because we reduced the training period from 8 to 6 years before moving on to DES. They requested a return to the 8-year system. I explained that capacity building must be improved, but we must find an approach that causes less disruption. There is no need to add 2 more years and waste time and money. Instead, we can retain the 6-year study period and incorporate the lessons that were cut during those 2 years into the existing 6 years. This solution allows us to maximize both time and learning, ensuring students have the same competencies.”

Please note that the Bachelor of Medicine degree requires 6 years of study, followed by a 3- or 4-year entrance exam to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (DES) degree, depending on the specialty.
=FRESH NEWS