Cambodia & News : The Roadmap for Global Health Coverage 2024-2035 officially launched

Cambodia has taken a major step forward with the launching of this ambitious plan for the programme “Global Health Coverage 2024–2035”.

Market in Phnom Penh. Photo CG

Speaking at the ceremony held yesterday morning, the prime minister was keen to emphasise the significance of this momentous occasion, which marks an important step in the development of the Cambodian social protection system, with a particular focus on the protection of health and well-being for all people.

“The official launch of this roadmap is a proud and energetic step forward for Cambodia in the process of building a social health system for all people to receive quality health services”, he said.

“We have set our goal to ensure that at least 14 million people can afford the health services in 12 years.”

The Premier was passionate about the importance of people’s health, emphasising that human resources are a key driving force for national development. He added that the quality of health services is important, but that the Royal Government has to ensure the people’s access to health services with affordable prices.

“Health is a leading sector for the Royal Government’s investment. In 2023, Cambodia invested about US$573 million in this sector, which is a fantastic achievement!”

Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth said this roadmap is a guide for health and social protection for the public from 2024 to 2035, by identifying priority policy options to strengthen social health protection system and health system in a multi-sectoral, multidimensional and all-round perspective.

He confidently asserted that past investments in the health sector have led to clear progress towards global health coverage. This is evidenced by the increase in the healthcare coverage index from 24% in 2000 to 58% in 2021; plus :

• The gradual increase in the life expectancy of the population from 59 to 76 years

• The reduction in the amount of out-of-pocket spending on healthcare from about 70% in 2000 to 60% in 2020

• The maternal mortality rate fell from 437 in 2000 to 155 in 2022 per 100,000 live births

• The infant mortality rate dropped from 37 in 2000 to eight in 2022 out of 1,000 live births

“Based on past achievements in both the health and social health care systems, as well as an in-depth analysis of current and future challenges, this roadmap sets out a strategic way towards global health coverage through the introduction of strategic activities and priorities”, the minister said.