Background
From 26 to 29 May 2026 the Ministry of Health conducted a technical support mission to Kampot provincial referral hospitals to assess and strengthen emergency care and patient-transfer systems. The mission was led by Undersecretary of State Dr. Chhor Kakkada and included national clinical leads from Khmer–Soviet Friendship Hospital and Techo Santepheap National Hospital.
The inspection focused on operational components of the emergency medical services (EMS) chain, including ambulance readiness, supply of emergency medicines and equipment, patient-transfer procedures, and digital communications for rapid information exchange. Ambulance maintenance routines, on-site technical checks, and secure communication links are concrete system elements that underpin patient-transfer reliability at the provincial level.
Key Developments
The national team carried out on-site reviews and provided technical guidance on multiple components of the EMS and referral system. Mission priorities reported by the Ministry included:
- Review and optimisation of patient-transfer procedures to streamline referral chains and reduce transfer risks.
- Strengthening digital communication channels within the transfer system to ensure timely and accurate information exchange.
- Regular technical maintenance, inspection, and oversight of ambulance fleets to preserve operational readiness.
- Assessment and replenishment of emergency medicines and strategic medical equipment to maintain supply quality and sufficiency.
- Ongoing training and capacity building for emergency physicians and ambulance drivers to improve clinical and transport response.
- Enhancement of collaboration with local authorities and community networks to improve incident reporting and emergency response coordination.
Institutional Role
The Ministry of Health deployed national clinical leads and technical staff to support provincial health authorities and hospital management teams in Kampot. Provincial health departments and referral hospital leadership participated in the mission and received detailed technical recommendations for clinical, logistical, and infrastructure improvements.
Operational Implications
The Ministry’s recommendations addressed actionable areas for hospital operations, including infrastructure upgrades for triage and hygiene standards, routine ambulance servicing, digital communications enhancements, and targeted training plans for emergency personnel. The national team also highlighted the role of supply-chain checks to ensure continuous availability of emergency medicines and equipment at provincial referral facilities.
