Background
The Ministry of Health conducted on-site supervisory inspections of hospital pharmaceutical warehouses in Phnom Penh from 15 to 17 June 2026, led by State Secretary Heng Bunkiet and accompanying officials. The inspections targeted warehouse hygiene, internal and external storage conditions, the organization of pharmaceutical stocks according to Ministry guidance, identification and resolution of problems, and control of narcotic medicines at CPA3-level hospitals.
The supervisory visits combined operational review and managerial guidance, with the State Secretary delivering commendations and reiterating expectations that health staff maintain continuous service and professional discipline. The Ministry emphasized that hospitals should arrange and store pharmaceuticals in line with existing Ministry guidance and maintain service availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week while observing professional ethics.
Scope of Application
The supervisory review applied to hospital drug warehouses classified at CPA1 level and the municipal CPA3 hospital in Phnom Penh. The inspection covered eight CPA1 hospital warehouses and the Phnom Penh Municipal Hospital (CPA3), as listed in the Ministry of Health release.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The visit did not announce new legislation but communicated specific managerial directives and assessments. Officials inspected hygiene practices in and around warehouses, assessed stock arrangement against Ministry guidance, sought and documented operational problems for resolution, and reviewed narcotics management at the CPA3 facility. State Secretary Heng Bunkiet also conveyed formal commendations from senior Ministry leadership and urged continued collective discipline among health personnel.
Implications for Compliance
Hospitals operating CPA1 and CPA3 warehouses should ensure that pharmaceutical storage and stock arrangement conform to Ministry guidance and that internal and external warehouse hygiene is maintained. Facilities handling controlled medicines at CPA3 level should maintain documented control measures for narcotics and promptly address identified operational issues following supervisory findings. The Ministry’s emphasis on 24/7 service and professional discipline underlines ongoing managerial expectations rather than introducing new regulatory instruments.
Official Source
Ministry of Health social media release, 18 June 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryofHealthofCambodia/posts/pfbid02bypPgCTJ8piDMqqAnzpDTVePYRWzXVP9MFmTosM3eHabTrR7CzDo3UmVwZ5J5Lw8l
