Sar Sokha, Minister of Interior and vice-president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in charge of Prey Veng, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces, has highlighted the close attention the government pays to supporting people living with high blood pressure and diabetes.
He made the remarks as he and his wife Ke Suon Sophy presided over a free examination and treatment session for 1,500 members of the public in Russey Srok commune in Prey Veng province’s Peam Chor district on March 16, according to a ministry statement.
Sokha reminded those present that during the inauguration of the new of Techo Sen Koh Thom Hospital in Kandal province, Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed that the government has prepared a budget to purchase daily medication for people who rely on it to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
“Unfortunately, incidences of high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes have increased significantly across the country in recent years. This is not just happening in urban areas, but in the countryside as well,” said Sokha.
He noted that medical exports had determined that the increases were due to lifestyle factors like diet.
According to the minister, people with high blood pressure who do not receive treatment can face many serious consequences, including an increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, blindness and even preeclampsia in pregnant women.
Ley Sopheap, director of the Cambodian Pharmacists Association, said on March 17 that he supported the government’s healthcare policies, especially those relating to non-communicable diseases, which often have hidden, deadly consequences.
He said the government’s efforts extends to encouraging all Cambodians to pay more attention to their health, noting that a healthy lifestyle and diet are essential if people are to join the government and participate in the socio-economic growth of the nation.
“The main factors that lead to diabetes and high blood pressure are an unhealthy lifestyle and poor diet. As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. It’s crucial to consider what food we eat, and how much of it we consume, if we want to avoid preventable medical conditions,” he added.
