Cambodia's healthcare system is undergoing a major expansion, with new hospitals, upgraded facilities, and international partnerships aiming to improve access and quality of care for millions
Key to government goals of building a sustainable society and improving quality of life for millions of Cambodians, the national healthcare system continues to make progress. A growing number of quality care providers, and increased international support through strategic partnerships, provide the population with improved access to broader treatment options.
In the past few years, a number of new hospitals and upgrades have swept the sector. In October 2023, the nation’s largest healthcare centre, the Techo Santhepeap National Hospital, was inaugurated in Phnom Penh. Comprising 11 buildings, the hospital has nearly 9,500 beds, more than 7,000 square metres of emergency-room floor space, and a helipad for med-evac services.
Calmette Hospital, the capital’s original flagship medical centre built in 1950, also received a major upgrade. The new Calmette Polytechnic Centre Building, dubbed the “Techo Aphivadh” Building, opened in May 2023 and is equipped with “state of the art” medical equipment and 426 beds. The 70 million USD addition has an expected capacity of 250,000 patients annually, according to government statements. An hour south of the capital, the 10 million USD Techo Sen Koh Thom Hospital in Kandal province was inaugurated in March 2024 and holds 179 beds.
To address a lack of skilled medical professionals, an oft-cited shortcoming of the sector, the Ministry of Health announced plans to build a National Teaching Hospital in the capital with a tentatively scheduled 2025 completion date. Drawing upon a partnership with the Korean government and funding through a 66 million USD loan, the project will be the first of its kind in the country. It is intended to support the human resource improvements necessary for Cambodia’s social and economic maturation.
Japan also extended financial support to the Kingdom’s health sector in the form of a 154 million USD concessional loan. Commemorated at a signing ceremony in March 2024, the agreement allows for significant upgrades of healthcare facilities, personnel and infrastructure in the coming years.
Though challenges remain, notably limited access in rural areas and insufficient oversight of the sector, ongoing investment in Cambodia’s healthcare system will benefit the population while supporting sustainable development goals.
