(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet unveiled plans to modernise Luang Mè Hospital and regional hospitals across Cambodia to strengthen the country’s capacity to treat cancer effectively.

The premier spoke on Monday (May 5) during the official launch of the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030 at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that cancer has become a significant public health threat with far-reaching socio-economic consequences. He reaffirmed that combating cancer is a top national priority under the Ministry of Health’s agenda.

The launch of the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030 marks a new chapter in Cambodia’s healthcare development, reflecting the Government’s determination to reduce the burden of cancer and save lives.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “The Royal Government must modernise Luang Mè Hospital. Originally, it was established primarily for treating women, but now, with our goal to transform it into a cancer treatment centre, substantial infrastructure upgrades are required. We are not backing down. We are preparing everything. I have approved budgets amounting to tens of millions of dollars to improve its effectiveness.”

In addition to upgrading Luang Mè Hospital for cancer care, Samdech Hun Manet acknowledged the shortage of oncology specialists in Cambodia. While hospitals and equipment can be built and installed relatively quickly, training medical specialists takes years. He stressed that the Government is taking a comprehensive approach, improving hospitals, investing in modern equipment, and launching training programs for specialised doctors.

The premier expressed hope that once Luang Mè Hospital’s cancer services are fully modernised, it can serve as a model hospital and share expertise with regional hospitals, enabling people in distant provinces to access cancer treatment without needing to travel to Phnom Penh.

To reduce the burden on citizens suffering from serious illnesses and ease travel-related expenses, the Royal Government has also constructed regional hospitals in Siem Reap and Kampong Cham. However, these facilities have yet to be developed into specialised cancer treatment centres.

Samdech Thipadei further underlined that prevention must now become a key focus. With around 20,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually in Cambodia, the priority must shift toward reducing the incidence of the disease in the long term.

Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the public to pay closer attention to food safety and the use of chemicals, which are among the contributing factors to cancer. He also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness through nationwide health education campaigns as a crucial step in the fight against cancer.

According to Minister of Health Chheang Ra, Cambodia continues to face challenges in controlling the rising number of cancer cases. Cancer control mechanisms remain limited nationwide. Each year, an estimated 20,000 Cambodians are diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 14,000 lose their lives to the disease, figures that underscore the urgent need for concrete action.
=FRESH NEWS