Cambodia’s medical establishments are fast closing in on other regional leaders in terms of quality, expertise and consistency of service.
When thinking of Cambodia the word “healthcare” may not spring to mind in too positive a light. The healthcare system has come on leaps and bounds in recent years however; dedicated emergency and trauma centres staffed by internationally trained medical professionals and cutting-edge technology such as Ultrasound, MRI and CT scans ensures that routine procedures can be performed in-country or otherwise reliable diagnoses made and medical evacuation to Bangkok, Singapore or elsewhere arranged rapidly.
How easy is access to pharmaceuticals in Cambodia?
- Pharmaceuticals are extremely easily accessible in Cambodia, being bought over the counter in most cases. The quality of pharmaceuticals varies greatly, however and many local pharmacies don’t have qualified staff, and store medication inappropriately- exposing them to sunlight and extreme temperatures. Beware of cheap products and be sure to check expiry dates, labels, and storage conditions on purchase.
Are there certified pharmacies in Cambodia?
- The short answer is yes, although these are concentrated in the major hubs of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville so if you require preventative medications such as anti-malarials or first aid items, stock up while you’re in town.
- For cuts and scrapes, a trip to the pharmacy for basics such as plasters and painkillers may suffice but be sure to clean all open wounds thoroughly and regularly – the tropical climate means that infections can set in quick.
Certified pharmacies stocking international standard pharmaceuticals include:
- U-Care
22 stores in: Phnom Penh(16), Siem Reap(4), Kampot(1), Kep(1) - Western Pharmacy
#116C, Street 63, Phnom Penh, T: 023 220 606 - HELP+
3 stores in Phnom Penh, open 24 hours (also online shop with home delivery to 8 provinces) - Pharmacie de la Gare
#124Eo Preah Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh.
Also an outlet in Thai Huot Supermarket, #250, Street 63, Phnom Penh.
What hospitals are available in Cambodia and what standard of care do these hospitals offer?
Cambodia’s major hubs now have several hospitals in which foreigners can receive medical treatment. A good rule of thumb throughout the country is to check the qualifications of your chosen doctor. Children’s hospitals are operational throughout the country, though their main focus is Cambodian patients. At such medical centres, patients are charged on a sliding scale, with foreigners expected to pay more than Cambodian nationals.
Phnom Penh
In the case of an emergency, it’s recommended to go to one of the larger hospitals or an internationally recognised clinic. Consultations are relatively inexpensive but transport costs to hospital, especially in Ambulance services, are steep.
Royal Phnom Penh Hospital
Opened in 2014, the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital was a welcome addition to the country’s medical landscape and the latest in a succession of Western-standard healthcare facilities to open in the country. A tertiary care hospital managed and operated by Bangkok Hospital Group (also responsible for Royal Angkor Hospital in Siem Reap), the establishment offers cutting-edge technology, and a central location in addition to a staff comprised of 40 internationally trained medical experts from Thailand, Cambodia, the United States and France.
In addition, this was the first hospital in Cambodia to receive Joint Commission International accreditation (JCI), which is awarded to medical establishments with a proven track record of quality and commitment to meeting performance standards.
Sunrise Japan Hospital
As well as adding high-quality facilities in their integrated emergency, stroke and neurosurgical, general medical and check up centres, which were previously lacking in the capital, this Japanese enterprise offers warm hearted bedside manner. Led by Japanese medical staff, experienced Cambodian medical professionals are trained in-service within Japanese hospitals.
Public and other hospitals
- Calmette Hospital (Ultrasound, MRI, CT, and X-Ray services are available here, with highly reliable scans).
- The Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
- Sen Sok IU Hospital
For less severe medical issues, there are a growing number of clinics and pharmacies in major cities.
Clinics
Phnom Penh now has several hospitals where foreigners can receive high-quality medical treatment. There are also many clinics in Cambodia, offering everything from basic medical services to physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture, plastic surgery and even Chinese medicine.
The following clinics have good reputations, facilities and qualified staff (often a mix of Khmers trained in the West and expat medical professionals). Pricing is on a sliding scale and dependent upon which doctor you see.
- International SOS Cambodia
- Khema Clinic and Maternity
- Procare Medical Center
Dentists
Dental care in Cambodia now approaches international standards with many foreign or foreign-trained dentists practicing, especially in Phnom Penh. Everything from a basic clean to more complex procedures, such as root canal work, can be carried out to high standards and the costs are generally less than elsewhere in the region. As with the above general medical clinics, quality depends on which doctor treats you, so always check the qualifications of your chosen dentist.
In Phnom Penh:
- Labelle Dental Clinic
Small clinic, but a favourite among expats in Cambodia. Very reasonable fees. Ask for owner Lina.
#77 Street 110, Phnom Penh
T: 023 67 67 897 - Gallery Dental Clinic
Very reasonable prices. Recommended by some expats: Dr. Chenh Chhean Sok
B037 Street 70, Phnom Penh, T: 092 949 493 - Eurodental Clinic
Quite high fees. Dr. Eric Le Guen is recommended.
9 street 306, Phnom Penh, T: 012 893 174 - Roomchang Dental Hospital
Often turns out to be the most expensive as they try to sell treatments you don’t really need.
Also mixed reports about the quality.
4, Street 184, Phnom Penh, T: 023 211 338
In Siem Reap:
- Pachem Dental Clinic, Siem Reap Branch
Recommended by expats in Siem Reap. Ask for Dr. Chour Darith
#242, Angkor Wat Avenue (officially: Charles de Gaulle Road),
A little north of Angkor National Museum, T: 063 965 333