AKP Kratie, March 20, 2025 —

A two-story pediatric building, valued at US$945,560, was officially inaugurated at the Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital on Mar. 20.

The new facility, funded by the Chenla Children's Health Care organisation, aims to significantly improve healthcare services for children in Kratie province and the wider northeastern region of Cambodia.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key government officials, including H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, and H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information and Head of the Royal Government Working Group for Kratie Province. Also in attendance was William Houseweart, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Chenla Children's Health Centre.

H.E. Professor Chheang Ra emphasised that the new building represents a significant milestone in providing effective healthcare for Cambodian children, especially those in the Kratie region. "The advancement of the healthcare sector relies on the participation of all stakeholders," he stated, expressing gratitude to Chenla Children's Health Centre for their valuable contribution to strengthening public health in remote areas of Cambodia.

The new pediatric building, constructed over eight months from May 2024 to January 2025, spans 40 metres in length and 14 metres in width. Its foundation is designed to support future expansion up to five stories.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra highlighted the building's potential to reduce infant and child mortality rates by providing accessible and reliable pediatric care. "This facility will bring healthcare services closer to our people in the northeastern provinces, eliminating the need for long journeys to hospitals in Phnom Penh or other provinces," he said.

The project also received support from the Kratie Provincial Administration, with a US$10,000 contribution from H.E. Var Thorn, Governor of Kratie province, to assist with the demolition of the old building and the reinforcement of the new building's foundation.

The opening of this new pediatric facility marks a crucial step in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services in Cambodia's northeastern provinces, ensuring better health outcomes for the region's children.

By K. Rithy Reak