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Healthcare System information/Insurance news |
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Due to decades of political and social upheaval the healthcare system in Cambodia is one of the world’s worst. The health figures are proof of a system that has yet to figure out how to provide even the most basic medical treatment for its citizens. The average life expectancy in Cambodia is one of the lowest in the world, at around 62 years. Cambodians have shorter life spans than their neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam, have larger families which in turn leads to a greater number of child deaths, and are plagued on a daily basis by poor sanitary conditions, underfunded hospitals and clinics and a generally poor infrastructure that leaves many pockets of inhabitants unable to receive the necessary attention that they need. While all of this paints a dire health situation, since 1999 the government began a series of programs to combat years of poor medical service in Cambodia.
Since the Khmer rouge was eradicated and peace was restored in the country, the government has searched for a solution for a more rapid response to combating the health issues in Cambodia. The most significant innovation has been the contracting of privately run organizations to manage and improve public health clinics and the medical services they provide. These clinics are drastically improving the quality of service for procedures as necessary as childbirth. Before the advent of this approach, childbirth was a risky and often life threatening procedure that most women in Cambodia referred to as “crossing the river”. Many Cambodian women were subject to giving birth in their home under the supervision of midwives with little or no medical experience. Today, with the help of non profit organizations and contracted foreign companies, there has been a significant shift in women who are now traveling to local clinics and hospitals to give birth.
The widespread success of the program has convinced officials to expand contracting from 5 to 10 of the 76 districts throughout Cambodia. The program is part of the Health Sector Support Project that is funded by way of a $20 million loan. The loan is contributing to the creation of new clinics, hospitals, and support for disease control drives to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, typhoid and other diseases. Through these contracts, the use of public services has raised dramatically, especially among lower income families. Conversely, average out of pocket health prices fell by more than US$30 for the bottom 50 percent of the populace in many regions of the country. The price of health in Cambodia is still high for poor families. In general, Cambodians spend around $35 per person to treat ailments, which is much higher than the government’s expenditure of around $2 per person. This leads to confidence in drug sellers and untrained healers who do more harm than good. Thanks to the new contracted clinics in the country, and new collaboration between the government agencies, non profits and other foreign investors these and other health concerns are slowly being addressed, providing Cambodians with the basic health treatments they deserve.
As for the foreign visitor and expatriate traveler to Cambodia, the health concerns one might face are significant. Great attention should be given to avoiding illness as well as finding the adequate care if needed on a visit there. As explained above, the standards for medical service in Cambodia are low. As such, it is recommended that you evacuate the country for proper treatment. Hospitals and clinics should not be used for anything other than immediate stabilization before air ambulance pickup or for less serious medical issues. While pharmacies do provide certain medicines and supplies, these can sometimes be counterfeit products. It is thus recommended to bring an ample supply of basic medicines, first aid, and other supplies you may need on your visit. Mental health support is very low, and as such evacuation proceedings should be taken if a mental health emergency arises. Last but not least, it is highly recommended that you obtain a comprehensive medical and travel insurance policy before arriving in Cambodia. This will ease the concerns of any possible injuries or emergencies that may arise in a country that is still unfortunately ill-equipped to provide the support you need.
For more information about the Cambodia, international medical insurance that we can provide, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today. |
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