Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

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Press Release

On 23 December 2024, for enhancing health-care access for vulnerable communities in Cambodia, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh handed over a Mobile Clinical Van to the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH) Cambodia, procured under a Quick Impact Project (QIP) of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Kouy Buntheurn, Director of the Provincial Health Department, Kandal Province, Mr. Kim Rattana, Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia, Dr. J. Bhoomikumar, Program Director, CCAMH, the Embassy Officials and others.

The vehicle was officially handed over by Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade to CCAMH-Caritas. In her remarks, she stated, "This Mobile Clinical Van will serve as a crucial resource, reaching out to people living in remote areas of Cambodia, especially those most in need of health-care services.” She further highlighted that, once fully equipped with medical facilities and an audiovisual system, the van will provide essential health-care to approximately 360 marginalized children and youth, including orphans, children left behind, and those with psychological disabilities. Additionally, the initiative will raise health awareness among around 2,000 families across 18 villages in Kampong Cham and Tboung Khmum provinces.

H.E. Dr. Kouy Buntheurn, Director of the Provincial Health Department in Kandal Province, expressed his deep appreciation for the Government of India’s generous support. Dr. Kouy further thanked the Indian Embassy for its ongoing capacity-building efforts under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, which has made significant contributions to the development of human resources in Cambodia. He expressed hope that the Government of India would continue to support Cambodia, particularly in strengthening health-care systems and providing technical training.

The Quick Impact Projects under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are part of India's Act East Policy. Cambodia is an important partner for India in its Act East Policy. This year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy. Every year, 10 Quick Impact Projects are taken up in Cambodia with grant assistance of USD 50,000 for each project. So far, 54 such projects have been taken up in Cambodia, out of which 41 have been completed, and 13 projects are at various stages of completion.

Phnom Penh

December 23, 2024