Cambodia Investment Review
The Healthcare Forum 2024, organized by EuroCham Cambodia, provided a significant platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the pharmaceutical sector in Cambodia. With increasing demand for healthcare services, the forum brought together key industry stakeholders to explore ways to enhance the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical practices in the country.
The Current State of the Pharmaceutical Landscape
Pascal Catry, CEO of Ucare Pharmacy, delivered an insightful presentation on the current state of pharmacies in Cambodia. He emphasized the vital role pharmacies play as the first point of access to healthcare for many Cambodians. “With around 3,800 community pharmacies nationwide, we are often the first healthcare providers people encounter,” he noted. “This positions pharmacies uniquely to improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.”
Catry highlighted several strengths within the sector, including the growing number of licensed pharmacists and the establishment of pharmacy education programs in the country. He reported that over 200 certified pharmacists are currently employed in his network, and approximately 800 to 1,000 new pharmacists graduate each year. However, he cautioned that many of these pharmacists lack specialized training in areas such as pharmaceutical industry practices and clinical pharmacy.
Despite these strengths, Catry outlined critical weaknesses affecting the sector. One of the most pressing issues is the prevalence of counterfeit and substandard medications. “The lack of control over the origin of products creates significant risks for patients,” he explained. “Many consumers are unaware of the dangers posed by counterfeit medications, and this can lead to ineffective treatments and increased health risks.” Furthermore, he pointed out that the existing regulatory framework allows for the sale of medications without prescriptions, exacerbating the potential for misuse.
Strategies for Addressing Key Challenges
To improve the situation, Catry proposed several recommendations aimed at enhancing pharmacy practices. He advocated for increasing the practical training of pharmacy students and encouraging collaboration with international institutions to share knowledge and skills. “We must bridge the skill gap to ensure our pharmacists are equipped to handle modern healthcare challenges,” he urged.
Additionally, he called for the implementation of a controlled environment in pharmacies to ensure that only qualified professionals dispense medications. “We need to ensure that medications are not sold by untrained personnel, which compromises patient safety,” Catry asserted.
The forum also featured a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Solina Yean, Co-Chairwoman of the EuroCham Healthcare Committee. Catry was joined by Dr. Elias Engelking, a specialist surgeon and emergency physician, to explore the future of healthcare in Cambodia. The panelists discussed the potential for integrating technology and digital health solutions to improve service delivery in pharmacies. Dr. Engelking noted, “Telemedicine and AI decision support systems could revolutionize how we deliver care, but we need to ensure that our pharmacies are ready to adapt to these changes.”
A Collaborative Future for Healthcare
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance healthcare delivery. “By working together, we can create a more efficient healthcare system that meets the needs of all Cambodians,” Catry emphasized.
The Healthcare Forum 2024 underscored the urgent need for reform in Cambodia’s pharmaceutical sector. By addressing challenges such as counterfeit medications, inadequate training, and regulatory shortcomings, the industry can improve its capacity to provide safe and effective healthcare solutions. As stakeholders continue to collaborate and innovate, there is hope for a stronger and more reliable pharmaceutical landscape in Cambodia.
