SIHANOUKVILLE: Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs Ke Kim Yan, together with the delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand led by the Ambassador of Thailand to Cambodia, Panyarak Poolthup, and a delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, led by the Ambassador of Vietnam to Cambodia, Nguyen Huy Tang, attended the inauguration ceremony of the National Center for Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation in Sihanoukville on Tuesday morning.

According to the report of the Chairman of the National Center Construction Committee, General Choun Sovann, the construction of the National Center started on 10 August 2017 and was completed on 26 December 2021 before finally being officially inaugurated on 22 March 2022.

General Choun Sovann continued that the construction of the National Center includes new roads (leading to the center), a total of 21 buildings, basketball courts, football fields and volleyball courts, all built with a total budget of more than US $7 million.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Vong Sauth, stated that the construction of the National Center is very important and shows the attention of the Royal Government's leadership in promoting the implementation of the law on drug control, as well as the five-year national plan on drug control 2019-2023, to strengthen the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and integration.

On this occasion DPM Ke Kim Yan expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Interior, DPM Sar Kheng, and all other donators and stakeholders involved, especially those from Vietnam and Thailand, who helped to build this national center. The cross-country collaboration helps to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the three countries.

DPM Ke Kim Yan set out the direction and vision for the upcoming year that urges the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation to continue strengthening and expanding the staff structure in accordance with the legal principles for management and service in this national center.

The Ministry of Health, particularly the Committee in charge of the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, must manage the medical equipment and staff. At the same time, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training must continue to prepare and send technical officers to provide vocational training to drug victims.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation and the management of the National Center must continue to mobilize support from the private sector, especially in Sihanoukville, to help find a job market for children who are receiving medical treatment. The Ministry of Economy and Finance must continue to coordinate the relevant budget for the necessary expenses for travel in this national center.

The General Secretariat of the National Authority for Combating Drugs must continue to cooperate and coordinate with the relevant ministries and institutions to operate the National Center. The General Commission of the National Police and the National Gendarmerie Command must cooperate with the center’s security forces.

The DPM also instructed the local authorities at all levels, relevant departments and units in Sihanoukville to continue to cooperate on security and other work as needed.

In addition, DPM Ke Kim Yan also requested Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, national and international organizations, and all other donors to continue providing additional financial support and training in all human resources and technical equipment to ensure the sustainability of the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts in Cambodia.