Phnom Penh: Preah Vihear Province has initiated the construction of a new blood bank, a critical development for the life-saving needs of its residents and others in need of blood transfusions.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by the provincial governor, Kim Rithy, who emphasized the importance of the facility in providing emergency support, especially to those in remote areas.

Located within the premises of the 16 January Referral Hospital, the new building is designed to be fully equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure efficient operations.

Spanning an area of 8 meters by 16 meters, the single-story blood bank is expected to be completed by May 2024.

Cambodia faces a significant demand for blood, requiring at least 170,000 bags annually to meet the needs of its population. However, last year, the country fell short, managing to collect only 140,000 bags. This new blood bank in Preah Vihear is a step towards bridging that gap and enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in the region.