The Ministry of Health has shut down the Indradevy I Polyclinic and Maternity, following a confrontation with a patient who needed six stitches for a wound, and the reported use of “inappropriate language”.
According to a March 11 ministry directive, the clinic, located in Tuol Sangke 1 commune in Russey Keo district, “committed a severe breach of professional ethics, which negatively impacted the proper delivery of medical examination and treatment services to the public”.
According to multiple posts on social media, prior to the closure, a dispute arose between the polyclinic and a patient who received six stitches for a wound, for which the clinic charged $198.
When the patient expressed dissatisfaction with the cost, stating it was too expensive, the polyclinic reportedly confiscated the patient’s phone and medication, and called them into a private room to demand payment.
According to the same social media reports, staff at the polyclinic made the remark: “If you don’t have money, why didn’t you go to a public hospital?”
The health ministry stated that the decision to close the polyclinic was made after officials conducted an on-site inspection and evaluated the case.
The ministry has ordered that Dr. Leng Cheng Leang, the clinic owner, and all investors be held accountable for any legal liabilities incurred during their business operations.
The director general for Health Technology, the director general for Administration and Finance and the ministry inspector general, as well as Dr. Leang herself, are required to implement this decision effective from March 11.
