Phnom Penh: Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, affirmed that Cambodia wants long-term cooperation to strengthen the capacity and ownership of Cambodian medical teams, rather than short-term technology transfers. He said this at a ceremony expressing thanks for the first kidney transplant mission in Cambodia, held at the French Embassy in Cambodia on the evening of October 6, 2026, attended by the French Ambassador, experts from Hospices Civils de Lyon, leaders and specialist doctors from Calmette Hospital, and relevant parties.
The Health Minister expressed thanks to the French government, the French Embassy, and the experts from Hospices Civils de Lyon for their support, expertise, and experience, which contributed to strengthening the capacity of the Cambodian medical team to successfully perform kidney transplants in line with international standards. The project began in 2019, but was suspended due to COVID-19, and resumed in late 2025 by sending Cambodian working teams to receive in-depth training and experience exchange in Lyon, France.
The Ministry of Health considers this kidney transplant program a response to public health needs for end-stage kidney disease patients. The Ministry of Health has focused on the legal framework, professional code of ethics, human resource training, and patient follow-up to ensure service quality and safety. This work also testifies to the continued strengthening of friendship and long-term cooperation between Cambodia and France in developing specialized medical services and health human resources in Cambodia.
