Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ministry directive: Ambulance drivers told to behave

Ministry directive: Ambulance drivers told to behave

A policeman directs traffic earlier this year in Phnom Penh.
A policeman directs traffic earlier this year in Phnom Penh. Pha Lina

Ministry directive: Ambulance drivers told to behave

Cambodia's Health Ministry yesterday chastised ambulance drivers for speeding and ordered all of them to get driver’s licences.

“Most drivers violated the traffic law, such as over-speeding and causing accidents with commuters, [with] many dead and injured,” the ministry’s directive reads.

“The ministry instructs the heads of hospitals and owners of health services to strengthen the management on ambulance drivers by recruiting drivers who have a driving licence, experience, [and who are] gentle and respectful.”

Run Rath Veasna, director of the Traffic Police Department, said he did not have exact figures, “but there were accidents caused by ambulances driven in order to get ahead of the other [traffic], which was done not according to law”.

In April, three people were killed by an ambulance transporting a victim from Kratie province to Phnom Penh.

Chhneang Sovutha, chief of Kratie Provincial Health Department, said all drivers his department had recruited were licensed.

“We want to save people’s lives, but at the same time we have to think about the safety for both victims and the people,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans