Held a Collaborative Review Workshop for Strengthening Diabetes Service at Kampong Cham Provincial Hospital
On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Kampong Cham Provincial Health Department, Kampong Cham Provincial Hospital, and JICA held a collaborative workshop to review the results of Diabetes Service Assessment Study conducted between September and November 2025 at the NCD clinic of Kampong Cham Provincial Hospital.
Key findings and challenges included:
- 1 . Poor glycemic control: Approximately 65% of the 486 diabetes patients surveyed had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%). Major obstacles included high cost of HbA1c testing (hindering regular testing), limited supply of medications, insufficient knowledge of health staff about medications, and patient fears regarding insulin injections.
- 2 . Medication gaps: About 8% of patients potentially needed insulin or different oral hypoglycemic agents than the ones currently being used. There was also significant underuse of ACE inhibitors, statins, and aspirin even in cases with reduced renal function and high cardiovascular risk.
- 3 . Low referral attendance for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening: The referral attendance from NCD unit to ophthalmology unit was low at 23%, likely due to high screening costs and health insurance limitations.
Participants discussed ways to improve patient access, such as adjusting the cost of HbA1c and DR screenings or including them in health insurance packages, strengthening coordination with Central Medical Store to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines, and implementing better diet education.
Coordinated effort at the referral hospital, provincial and national levels are essential to improve diabetes service. The NCD Control Project will continue to support strengthening the technical capacity across all levels.
Group photo with participants
Remarks by H.E. Dr. Heng Sothy
A workshop in progress