(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared seven key recommendations to ensure the successful and effective implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2025-2030, ultimately aiming to benefit the Cambodian people.
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.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored the following recommendations:
1. To ensure successful implementation, the Ministry of Health must consistently promote the execution of this important national plan through a multi-sectoral coordination mechanism. This approach aims to strengthen health services and contribute to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this regard, the primary policy priority is to expand healthcare services to achieve universal coverage. The roadmap toward achieving UHC in Cambodia by 2035, announced in May 2024, outlines three clear targets:
- Expand social health protection systems to cover 80 per cent of the total population;
- Achieve at least 80% coverage of essential health services; and
- Reduce out-of-pocket health expenses to 35 per cent of total health spending.
2. The Ministry of Health must continue to enhance the implementation of a comprehensive cancer data management system to support the development and enforcement of effective policies. This includes developing technical guidelines aligned with international standards and strengthening the capacity of health personnel across all levels, both public and private, in cancer management, prevention, diagnosis, care, and safe, high-quality treatment.
3. The Ministry of Health should continue promoting specialised training for healthcare professionals at all levels, including medical and allied health professionals, to ensure the workforce is well-equipped to provide comprehensive cancer care and treatment services.
4. Relevant ministries and institutions must collaborate with the Ministry of Health in cancer prevention and control efforts by addressing and reducing various risk factors that contribute to the disease.
5. Although Cambodia has made significant progress in the health sector, challenges remain in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and service coverage. Therefore, to expand cancer prevention and treatment services, I urge development partners and all relevant stakeholders to mobilise technical and financial resources in support of these critical efforts for the benefit of our people.
6. I would like to reiterate that all levels of the health sector must work to improve service delivery, particularly for poor families, vulnerable households, and other priority groups. This should be done through programs including the Equity Fund and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) health scheme, by expanding services in line with changing disease patterns, priority health issues, and population needs.
7. I encourage all citizens to take cancer prevention and control seriously by understanding risk factors and making behavioral changes to reduce those risks. If health concerns arise, individuals should promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health center or hospital for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
=FRESH NEWS
