By:
• Teng Yalirozy

• September 16, 2024 , 5:15 PM

PHNOM PENH– Cambodia is poised to revolutionize cancer care with the construction of its first-ever Cyclotron Medical Centre Building. This cutting-edge facility will equip the country with the ability to produce radioisotopes essential for advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment and reduce the need for Cambodians to seek medical care abroad, said Health Minister Chheang Ra on September 16.

“It is the first project in Cambodia’s healthcare history,” said Chheang Ra at the groundbreaking ceremony for the centre. “It will benefit the patients and also produce the radioactive drugs for distribution,” he added.

Health Minister Chheang Ra said the cyclotron centre was initiated by a group of expert doctors and a technical team at the state-run Calmette Hospital, who aimed to provide efficient diagnosis and treatment to patients, with collaboration from Archetype, G.E. HealthCare Pte Ltd., and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Collaborating with international partners, the centre will house a state-of-the-art cyclotron machine within a two-story building. This advanced technology can produce various radioisotopes which are essential for positron emission tomography (PET) scans used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. 

Cambodia's advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment are reducing the need for citizens to seek medical care abroad. While a significant portion of the population, between 200,000 and 250,000 individuals, still sought treatment overseas in 2023, this number pales in comparison to the over 13.4 million treated domestically.

Health Minister Chheang Ra has emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening local healthcare services to further reduce this outflow.

“Although it represents only a small percentage of total patients,” Chheang Ra stated, “the ministry is taking this issue seriously. We will work diligently to improve our local health services, not only within the public sector but also through collaboration with private institutions, to decrease the number of Cambodians seeking treatment abroad.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet has outlined a comprehensive plan to enhance Cambodia's healthcare system, focusing on infrastructure, medical equipment, doctor training, and essential medicine supply.

He emphasized the crucial role of quality healthcare in improving public health and boosting the nation's reputation.

"Training must ensure quality, Hun Manet stated, "as it not only guarantees human life but also the honor and reputation of our entire health sector."

The modernization of Calmette Hospital represents a significant leap forward in Cambodia's medical technology, enabling the country to address specific healthcare needs more effectively, said the prime minister.

Hun Manet urged citizens to prioritize health protection and prevention, emphasizing the importance of seeking timely medical attention at nearby health centres for diagnosis, treatment, or referrals.