One can only agree with the Cambodian PM that there has been much improvement in the country's health system, which was left totally destroyed in 1979 in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime, but that is almost 45 years away now. In 2023, Cambodia's health system is still struggling to provide for the basic needs of the population.
Cambodia's health system runs in a chaotic manner, governed by the rules of the state and those of private enterprise. NGOs fill some of the gaps. People living in remote areas often have to rely on unlicensed "village doctors", others put their faith in the local "healer", because access to proper health facilities is too far away and too expensive. Health care in Cambodia today is a dice roll.

What can be done today to make sure that there is an adequate health service for Cambodians tomorrow ?

Cambodia's Health Sector Moves away from the Situation Left by the Khmer Rouge
AKP Phnom Penh, May 18, 2023 --
Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HE said the Cambodian health sector has moved away from the legacy left by the Khmer Rouge regime since 1979.

At the graduation ceremony of some 1,400 students of the University of Health Sciences held here this morning, Samdech Techo HE said that Cambodia had invested a lot in the health sector, especially in the improvement of people’s healthcare and well-being.

“We are now moving away from our difficult era, the legacy of the Khmer Rouge, but we will continue to invest and improve our health sector,” he underlined.

The Premier took the opportunity to call on all medical practitioners to continue strengthening their professional ethics to further contribute to the progress of Cambodia’s health sector.

Samdech Techo HE also laid stress on the key success of Cambodia’s preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccination policy, etc.
By Heng Panha
AKP

Health care is expensive. It’s a huge percentage of government spending in western countries, alone.
Clearly not a spending priority in Cambodia.

Missus heard the harping on ‘more professionalism’ since when she was a nurse not so long ago. At the time, nurses worked low wages and 36 hours days were the norm. Nurses cared for 10-50 patients each. Even doctors earned less than English teachers.

Recently her father had problems breathing. Went to the the commune hospital. Was turned away and sent to the city hospital. They drained his lungs.



And sent him home with TB meds.

No word if there was a confirmation of TB or not on X ray or even if the fluid was tested.
He took the meds, coughing got worse. Went to the Kru Khmer and felt better.

Is there any wonder?