Cambodian Government Allocates $18 Million to Upgrade 61 Referral Hospitals Nationwide

• Proeksa Meas
• 28 September 2026
• Construction Focus
• 78 Views

Speaking at the inauguration of Luong Mae Hospital, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet outlines six major health achievements while strictly barring private commercial operations within state-owned medical facilities

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has declared that investing in public healthcare is a direct investment in human life, the national workforce, and equitable, sustainable development. Demonstrating this commitment, the Royal Government has allocated an $18 million budget package specifically designated to renovate and upgrade infrastructure across 61 district referral hospital bases. The premier highlighted the strategic funding during the official inauguration of Luong Mae Hospital on September 16, 2026, where he outlined six major health sector milestones realized over the three-year administration of the seventh-mandate government.

Detailing progress in primary care delivery, the Prime Minister revealed that 99.3 percent of health centers nationwide now operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Beyond the $18 million capital deployment for referral facilities, the government has systematically upgraded emergency medical transport systems. This effort includes providing specialized first aid and emergency care training to nearly 2,700 doctors and technical personnel across every capital and province, significantly expanding emergency response capacity.

In parallel with physical infrastructure, the government has prioritized pharmaceutical safety and chronic disease management. Public healthcare institutions have instituted stricter quality controls on medicines and medical equipment while supplying patients with 15 to 30 days worth of essential prescription drugs for hypertension and diabetes. To combat cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health has deployed advanced HPV PCR diagnostic technology across 540 local health centers and 15 referral hospitals in eight provinces. Additionally, health authorities have introduced a reinforced Code of Conduct for private medical practices to maintain high safety standards and secure public confidence.

On the policy and governance front, Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a clear stance prohibiting private business entities from taking over or operating commercial services inside state-owned healthcare facilities. Reaffirming that public medical properties must remain 100% state-managed, the premier emphasized that state hospitals exist exclusively to serve the public interest and fulfill national socio-economic policies. Together, these strategic measures reflect Cambodia’s comprehensive push to strengthen grassroots medical services, lower out-of-pocket costs, and ensure universal healthcare access. (read more)

• referral hospital
• Health facilities