PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2024 — Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the critical role of health in national strength and economic development during the inauguration of the new Centre of Surgical Service at Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital this morning.

"Healthier citizens constitute a robust workforce, which is indispensable for our country's economic progress," stated Hun Manet. He highlighted the vital importance of advancing the healthcare sector, including enhancing the capacity to treat critically ill patients.

The event was marked by the presence of the Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, Ueno Atsushi, who joined the Prime Minister in overseeing the ceremony. During his address, Hun Manet called for widespread modernization of the health sector, beginning with the expansion and upgrading of regional hospitals to improve service delivery effectively.

"Modernizing our regional hospitals is crucial for providing comprehensive and timely healthcare services to our citizens," he added.

The Siem Reap Provincial Referral Hospital's new four-story surgical center, which broke ground on December 1, 2021, and was completed on October 30, 2023, represents a significant development in healthcare infrastructure in the region. The project, costing nearly US$20 million, was funded by a grant from the government and people of Japan. The center is set to enhance the hospital's capacity to provide critical health services significantly.

This development underscores Cambodia's ongoing efforts to improve healthcare facilities across the country, ensuring that all citizens have access to essential medical care.