Background
On 24 February 2026, the Ministry of Health held its second workshop on establishing an Essential Diagnostic List in Cambodia. The workshop was presided over by H.E. Dr. Sik Bunna, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health. The event is part of efforts to enhance the quality and timeliness of medical laboratory diagnostics, crucial for epidemic preparedness and health security.
Scope of Application
The initiative supports the implementation of Essential In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) across multiple administrative levels, including the Municipal/Provincial and Capital/Phnom Penh Administrative Authorities (MPA, CPA). It is aligned with Cambodia’s National Medical Laboratory Strategy 2025–2030 (Version 3) and National Action Plan for Health Security (IHR 2024–2027).
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Strengthening laboratory service quality to enable accurate and timely disease diagnosis.
- Supporting selection and deployment of essential IVDs at all health system levels.
- Compliance with national health strategies and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines including International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.
- Enhancing coverage of essential health services and reducing healthcare costs as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- Collaboration with international partners such as the Japan Institute of Health Security (JIHS), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), WHO, FHI360, Fondation Mérieux, and technical experts from Japan and ASEAN countries.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This workshop marks a significant step in institutionalizing a national framework for diagnostics that will affect stakeholders involved in medical diagnostics, health service provision, and regulatory compliance. It indicates forthcoming standardized criteria for diagnostic products and services, contributing to improved public health outcomes and potentially impacting importation, registration, and use of diagnostic devices in Cambodia.
Official Source
Ministry of Health Facebook Post, 25 February 2026: facebook.com/MinistryofHealthofCambodia/posts/pfbid0K1t74TRBRa6teYLphmy1EgWhcqZmNGiDmDkHyjHghCSRiBR2JVdRXcgu2F3Bi1RCl
