The Ministry of Health took decisive action on August 21 by closing two medical clinics in Phnom Penh.
Bethune Cambodia China First Hospital and Spean Monkul Private Clinic have been shut for failure to adhere to regulations outlined in the Law on the Management of Private Medical, Paramedical and Medical Aide Practice.
The decision, prompted by an August 20 directive signed by ministry secretary of state Or Vandine, is a response to recent incidents of non-compliance and patient fatalities.
The Bethune hospital, located in Chamkarmon district’s Tonle Bassac commune, was found to have violated professional standards and engaged in malpractice. It was discovered that medics at the clinic were providing treatment despite a lack of required licences, leading to the death of a Chinese patient on August 18.
The woman, who was receiving treatment including intravenous therapy, passed away within its premises. Subsequent investigation revealed serious shortcomings, leading to its immediate shutdown.
Likewise, Spean Monkul, located in Meanchey district’s Boeung Tompun II commune, underwent scrutiny before its shutdown. A patient’s death on August 11 – subsequent to the patient being transported to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital by ambulance – drew attention to inadequacies in diagnosing and providing necessary medical interventions at the clinic. As a result of these findings, the ministry ordered its immediate closure.
Vandine, speaking on the ministry’s decisions, emphasised that strict adherence to medical regulations and ethical standards is paramount. She urged private hospital proprietors to prioritise the delivery of high-quality and safe healthcare services while adhering to ethical guidelines.
She said the ministry will take further action in the case following its ongoing investigation.
Ley Sopheap, president of the Medical Pharmacist Association of Cambodia, supported the ministry’s actions, highlighting that the shuttered clinics displayed egregious non-compliance with Cambodian laws and exhibited technical deficiencies. Moreover, these facilities allowed unlicensed medics to treat patients, leading to fatal consequences.
Sopheap praised the closures as essential for safeguarding public health and preventing further tragedies.
