The opening ceremony of the January 26 Health Congress. Health ministry
Lo Veasnakiry, secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, shared several sobering health statistics, during the opening of a National Health Congress, held this morning, January 26.
He noted that in 2025, examinations and treatments for mental illness totalled 389,553, an increase of 37.8 per cent over the previous year. Rather than a cause for concern, however, some indicators suggest that this is a positive, as many cases were likely previously undiagnosed.
Pall Chamroeun, a public health researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that the higher numbers, particularly among youth, reflected better awareness: young people are recognising the signs and seeking health checks more often.
He attributed the number of mental health diagnoses to a mix of historical and modern factors. He pointed out that while the older generation often suffers from trauma left behind by the Khmer Rouge, the younger generation deals with depression from various other sources.
Economic stress plays a major role as well, Chamroeun explained.
“When people face financial hardship or take on debt, the burden of repayment can severely affect their mental well-being,” he said, stressing that family support is vital for helping people through these challenges.
Beyond mental health, Chamroeun urges the public to fight non-communicable diseases by eating well—specifically by cutting down on sugar and salt—and staying active. He also recommends limiting alcohol and cigarettes and getting regular medical and mental health screenings. He acknowledged the good work done by the health and education ministries so far but emphasized that further efforts are needed.
Veasnakiry also reported that diagnoses of diabetes and cancer cases also increased when compared to 2024. Again, this suggests that more and more patients are accessing healthcare, perhaps thanks to the expansion of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
He noted that 292,197 patients sought consultation and treatment at public health facilities, up 26.8 per cent over 2024. 18,429 were hospitalised patients. He also said that 451,00 cases of hypertension (high blood pressure) were recorded, up 12 per cent, while 41,463 were hospitalised for the condition, an increase of 19 per cent.
There were 15,325 cases of cardiovascular examinations for heart disease, with 25,481 patients hospitalised and 1,091 deaths.
“The number of people seeking treatment for cancer was 35,921, an increase of 13.9 per cent compared to 2024; among them, 155 lost their lives,” added Veasnakiry.
Just as with mental health diagnoses, this is likely a representation of the fact that more people are coming forward to seek treatment than ever before.
Chamroeun urged the public to fight non-communicable diseases by eating a healthy diet — specifically by cutting down on sugar and salt — and staying active.
He also recommended limiting alcohol, eliminating cigarettes and getting regular medical and mental health screenings. He acknowledged the good work done by the health and education ministries so far but emphasised that further efforts are needed.
