Calmette Hospital’s expansion marks a new phase in Cambodia’s public health agenda, strengthening national capacity through investment in infrastructure, technology, training, and research.
In September 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet presided over the groundbreaking for three new buildings at Calmette Hospital, the centerpiece of a sophisticated modernization program. The new 730-bed central building, Cambodia’s first Cyclotron Medical Center, and a state-of-the-art Simulation Center, form a cornerstone of the government’s healthcare agenda under the Pentagonal Strategy—with Minister of Health Professor Chheang Ra emphasizing Calmette’s leadership role in delivering advanced, inclusive care. Here, Director General Professor Kong Sonya outlines the hospital’s transformation.
“Calmette is becoming a national hub for advanced public healthcare in Cambodia.”
Professor Kong Sonya Director General, Calmette Hospital
Tweet ThisQ: How does the modernization program advance the hospital’s goals?
The new buildings reflect a strategic vision centered around the three key missions: providing high-quality care, advancing professional health education, and promoting medical research and innovation.
We've expanded our multi-specialty services—including cardiology, emergency, and general medicine—with the inauguration of the Techo Development Building and construction of a 25-story central building, equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. We aim to train the next generation of healthcare professionals through high-quality, ethical education, including a Simulation Center that supports hands-on learning and clinical skill development. And we aim to become a national center for medical research. The Cyclotron Medical Center will produce radiopharmaceuticals for advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment. Calmette is becoming a national hub for advanced public healthcare in Cambodia.
Q: How does Calmette support Cambodia’s healthcare goals under the Pentagonal Strategy?
We are optimizing efficiency, accessibility, and innovation as foundations for universal healthcare and long-term health system resilience. For example, the new central building houses advanced medical technology, ensuring high-quality, efficient outcomes, and we are implementing electronic medical records to improve diagnosis and continuity of care.
With over 730 beds and expanded outpatient services, we ensure equitable access to diagnosis and treatment. Our equity-based mechanisms reduce out-of-pocket expenses to just 20%, and we are strengthening links with provincial hospitals to reach underserved populations.
Through visionary leadership, international-standard equipment, and alignment with national policy, we are driving progress toward Professor Ra’s universal health vision and Cambodia’s development ambitions.
Q: What is your approach to working with investors and strategic partners?
Calmette welcomes collaboration with global investors and strategic partners to accelerate the transfer of high-quality, affordable medical technology in support of Cambodia’s healthcare growth.
Partners can access high-quality diagnostic tools, imaging systems, and surgical equipment with cost-effective implementation. Calmette is a gateway for impactful, efficient healthcare investment in Cambodia.
