29 health centres closed or damaged due to Thai aggression

The Ministry of Health team visits health facilities in Banteay Meanchey province to provide medical care and support to military and police personnel, displaced people, and local residents. MoH

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Synopsis: Health facilities in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Preah Vihear provinces were affected by Thai military offensives, with several health centres sustaining direct damage.

At least 29 hospitals and health centres along the Cambodian–Thai border remain closed or damaged following Thai military aggression during the border conflict from December 7 to 27, as authorities work to repair and reorganise affected infrastructure.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, 10 hospitals and health centres in Oddar Meanchey province remain closed, while five in Banteay Meanchey and 14 in Preah Vihear are also suspended. The report noted that at least seven health centres suffered direct damage to public property, not including the broader disruption of basic public services and damage to other civilian infrastructure along the border.

Koy Vanny, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, said yesterday that authorities are still assessing the impact on approximately 27 health centers. The assessment is ongoing, and officials are prepared to repair the damaged facilities once evaluations are complete.

Met Measpheakdey, spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, said that after 21 days of conflict, several hospitals and health centres continue to suspend services, with some facilities damaged. He added that detailed damage assessments are ongoing and that affected facilities will reopen once inspections, evaluations, and repairs are completed.

Among the damaged facilities in Oddar Meanchey province, Sen Monorom 1 and 2 health centres were completely destroyed after being struck by artillery shells and heavy gunfire. The centres, located near Ta Krabei Temple along the border road at the foot of the Dangrek Mountain, had been providing medical care to civilians at the time of the attack.

On Sunday, Battambang Governor Sok Lou led officials to inspect the resumption of public services in border districts, including district administrations, health centres, schools, and towns in Sampov Loun, Phnom Proek, Kamrieng, Samlot, and Banan districts.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced that doctors and health workers continue to provide health education and hygiene guidance at refugee safety centres to prevent disease outbreaks.

Medical teams are offering consultations, treatment, medicine, and health services while promoting clean eating, safe drinking water, and personal hygiene, particularly among displaced populations.

Health Minister Chheang Ra has instructed national hospitals to closely cooperate with border provincial health departments to ensure timely and comprehensive medical responses for civilians and soldiers.

-Khmer Times-