Phnom Penh, December 10, 2024 – Prime Minister Hun Manet has outlined four key areas to improve the quality of healthcare services in Cambodia, emphasizing infrastructure development, modern medical equipment, sufficient medicines, and human resources.

In his speech at the inauguration of the University Hospital Center in Phnom Penh, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the health sector to national development. He stressed that the Royal Government is committed to improving the quality of medical services for citizens, ensuring that healthcare becomes more accessible and convenient. Prime Minister Hun Manet also encouraged the Ministry of Health to equip itself with advanced medical technology and enhance human resources in the healthcare sector.

The Prime Minister called for the improvement of health posts, centers, and hospitals, ensuring they are equipped with modern facilities, medicines, supplies, and highly qualified doctors proficient in using the latest medical technologies.

Emphasizing the role of human resources in healthcare development, the Prime Minister reiterated that human resources are a top priority for the Royal Government. He noted that only medical students who undergo rigorous examinations would be selected, underscoring the critical need for technical skills, ethics, and professionalism among healthcare providers.

"Doctors play the role of angels who save lives, so it is essential to adhere to high standards of technical skills, ethics, and professionalism," said Prime Minister Hun Manet.

He also urged professors and academic staff to continuously develop their skills and conduct more research in their specialties, improving teaching efficiency and connecting theory with practical applications. 

This, he said, would contribute to the overall development of Cambodia’s healthcare human capital.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also discussed the establishment of a national social security fund (NSSF), designed to act as a health insurance card for citizens and civil servants. The NSSF aims to alleviate citizens' financial burdens related to healthcare expenses. He further proposed studying the possibility of introducing a family package to expand the benefits of the NSSF card.

"A healthy citizen is a national asset," the Prime Minister affirmed.

The new University Hospital Center, which sits along the Phnom Penh-Hanoi Friendship Boulevard in Sen Sok District, was built with assistance from the Republic of Korea. The $66 million project covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters, with nearly 5,000 square meters dedicated to the hospital building. The construction, which took 28 months to complete, aims to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure.