A Guide to Hospitals in Cambodia for Foreign Travellers
Cambodia is a curious country. On one hand, it is a backpacker’s delight, as it is one of the most culturally-rich countries in the world yet affordable at the same time. On the other, it’s still a country that ranks low on development charts. So services that may seem basic to travellers, especially from more developed nations, may not be available in the majority of the country.Healthcare is one of several essential services that is still ignored in the grand scheme of things. This has resulted in a limited number of high-quality hospitals in Cambodia. The best ones can be found in the country’s 3 most prominent cities: Phnom Penh, the capital, Kampot, a heaven for nature enthusiasts and Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Let’s take a closer look at the best hospitals in Cambodia and also the overall state of medicine and healthcare over the course of this blog.
The Best Hospitals across Prominent Cambodian Cities
• Royal Rattanak Hospital, Phnom Penh:
many hospitals in Cambodia operate under Thai ownership and if international doctors and a wide range of medical services are what you are looking for, this is the ideal hospital to visit. However, it’s best to come here with a sizeable amount of money in your bank account, as even the basic services here are quite expensive. Expect to pay less if you consult a local doctor, but it still remains pricey.
Address: 11 Street 592, ToulKork, Phnom Penh Contact Numbers: 023 991 000, 023 365 555
• SenSok University Hospital, Phnom Penh:
This hospital is perhaps the most trusted healthcare provider in the Cambodian capital. Not only do they provide a comprehensive range of medical services, but they charge on an affordable scale. Remember, Cambodia is not a developed nation by any stretch of the imagination. So, the hospital in Cambodia that offers quality at inexpensive prices are the ones that the majority will trust.
Address: 91-96 Street 1986, Phnom Penh Contact Numbers: 023 883 712, 012 840 731
• Royal Angkor International Hospital, Siem Reap:
Siem Reap’s finest is not in any way comparable to Phnom Penh’s. Even though it is an international hospital, it is more of a diagnostic centre than one of the hospitals in Cambodia that offers a vast array of services. As a result, this hospital is certainly not one you can count on for medical emergencies and serious conditions. Thanks to the ‘International’ status, prices here are absurdly high as well, even for the most essential services.
Address: National Route 6 (Airport Road), Siem Reap Contact Numbers: 063 761 888, 012 235 888, 063 399 111
• Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital, Kampot:
Kampot’s only quality hospital is one of the most recent large scale hospitals established in Cambodia. Out of all the hospitals in Cambodia, this one has the most up-to-date facilities. International doctors are available as well. However, the sliding scale based prices make this hospital really unique in Cambodia.
Address: National Road 3, Kampot Contact Numbers: 012 738 888, 092 210 599Buying Medicine from Pharmacies in Cambodia
The healthcare and medicine system in Cambodia is not just restricted to the hospitals. Even the pharmacies have a part to play.Unfortunately, many Cambodian pharmacies, particularly the independent ones, have been implicated in fake medicine selling cases in the past. To get exactly what you need, you can visit Pharmacie de la Gare or U-Care while you are in Phnom Penh. However, the prices of medicines here are much cheaper than those in western countries.
The State of Local Doctors and Dentists
The ratio of Cambodia’s doctors to the total population ratio does not make for good reading. At 1:5000, the ratio shows the disparity between Cambodia’s healthcare system and those in developed nations.The majority of the best local doctors ply their trade in international clinics and hospitals. Thus, access to the best Cambodian doctors is difficult not just for the masses, but also for foreign travellers, as most of them are backpackers travelling without much money.
However, there are some, like those working in hospitals like Sonja Kill in Kampot, who remain accessible. Unfortunately though, there are very few or absolutely no healthcare facilities in the rural regions, which collectively are home to a significant percentage of the Cambodian population.
While most of the local doctors of the country have not done their country proud, the same can’t be said for the local dentists. Cambodia is one of the most prominent dental service and treatment providers in South-East Asia. Roomchang Dental Clinic in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap’s Pachem Clinic are the most trusted as far as dental services in Cambodia are concerned.
How International Travellers Should Prepare for Cambodia’s Medical System
You may feel like an alien on a very remote planet when you are in Cambodia, especially if you hail from the west. However, there are certain precautions that you can take as well, just to make sure that the lack of quality hospitals does not cost you your life.The most important thing is to keep cash in hand. Many hospitals in Cambodia and healthcare centres don’t accept payment by anything other than cash. Secondly, you should ensure that your medical insurance covers you for medical evacuation.
Due to Cambodia’s fledgling healthcare system, you may not find emergency treatment, even in the biggest hospitals if they have full occupancy. In such a scenario, you will be evacuated to medical facilities, most likely in Thailand, to undergo the required treatment. This is where the medical evacuation cover can protect you financially.
Hospitals in Cambodia still have a long way to go to match up to western hospitals. To have the highest chances of avoiding them, it’s recommended that you get all your health diagnoses done before you board the plane for Cambodia.