Kingdom seeks UNOPS’ assistance on healthcare

MINISTER of Health Chheang Ra called on the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to expand and share successful past practices, particularly regarding collaborative engagement with companies and supply partners. This focused approach aims to directly improve the health and wellbeing of the Cambodian people.

He made the request during a meeting with Eda Kraja, UNOPS country director for Cambodia and Laos, on February 26 in Phnom Penh, according to the ministry.

Ra outlined nine health sector priorities and three key areas for improvement, calling for UNOPS to expand cooperation accordingly.

“I ask UNOPS to build upon past successes by expanding good practices, particularly in sourcing and supply chain management. Together, let’s leverage this collaboration to improve the well-being of the people, aligning with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy for universal health coverage,” he said.

During the meeting, Kraja highlighted that UNOPS, the agency responsible for infrastructure and procurement projects, has collaborated with the ministry for over a decade on various initiatives.

“The past cooperation between the organisation and the ministry has focused on procuring materials and medicines, coordinating efforts to fight and eradicate malaria and tuberculosis and combating global infectious diseases like Covid-19,” she said.

She also noted that the agency partners with other relevant ministries, national and international organisations to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) ahead of schedule.

Nuth Sambath, president of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, stressed the importance of continued support in the health sector, particularly for the procurement of healthcare essentials.

“Supporting and sharing good experiences in healthcare is crucial for strengthening human resources, including technical skills, infrastructure, professional ethics and research capabilities,” he said.

Ra thanked UNOPS for continued collaboration on technical and financial aspects of strategic sourcing to ensure materials and medicines reach the people and improve their quality of life.