Thea Kruy, health ministry secretary of state and chairman of the National Medical Council. FN
A senior Ministry of Health official has warned of legal action against doctors who open clinics without legal permission or registration.
The warning was made by Thea Kruy, ministry secretary of state and chairman of the National Medical Council, on January 16 during the opening ceremony of the 12th Continuous Professional Development Day, held virtually in Siem Reap province.
“The development day is very important to establish and strengthen the monitoring of new developments and changes relating to the health sector. If doctors want to continue their medical careers at health centres or provincial referral hospitals, they are obligated to register as members of the medical council,” he said.
If they fail to register, they will not be allowed to examine patients, treat diseases or open medical clinics.
“Registration across the medical profession is essential, so we will have a clear understanding of each doctor’s qualifications and abilities. Doctors who do not register but continue to treat patients are acting illegally,” he added.
He also advised that the Siem Reap provincial medical council prepare a list of unregistered doctors and send it to the relevant authorities for legal action.
Kruy complimented all registered doctors on their efforts to overcome the challenges and difficulties of performing their duties, and for the increase in people receiving health check-ups and treatment.
He added that for the provision of medical examination and care to be of a high quality, there are two driving factors – technical capacity and professional ethics.
Uy Chanthol, chairman of the Siem Reap provincial medical council, said the province currently has 574 Cambodian and 98 foreign doctors registered, with 87 who have not registered, or whose registration has lapsed.
“Unregistered doctors, please ensure you complete the process as soon as possible, so you are protected by the Kingdom’s health professional laws,” he said.
Chanthol also reminded all members to renew annually so they were not practising illegally, lest they face legal consequences.
