City project

Clinical Laboratory and Pathology

Strengthening Clinical Laboratory and Pathology Services for Cancer Diagnosis in Phnom Penh

City

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Project lead

Nheb Mary

Areas of action

Implementation

Cycle I

The challenge

Clinical laboratory and pathology services are constrained by limited infrastructure, technology, and access to advanced diagnostics.
There is a critical shortage of trained pathologists and laboratory personnel, highlighting the need for specialised training programmes.
Standardised protocols, quality assurance systems, and pathology reporting practices are inconsistently applied.
These gaps delay timely, accurate cancer diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

The goal

To improve access to high-quality laboratory and pathology cancer diagnostic services in the city.

The How

Assessing the current state of pathology and clinical laboratory services across public and private hospitals.
Developing a strategic pathology and clinical laboratory development plan addressing infrastructure, technology, coordination of services, and human resources.
Establishing standard operating procedures and quality assurance systems for laboratory and pathology services.
Building institutional and workforce capacity through the development and implementation of continuous professional education programmes for laboratory personnel.
Supporting alignment with national priorities outlined in Cambodia’s National Cancer Control Plan.

Outputs

Pathology and clinical laboratory development plan covering service coordination, infrastructure, technology, and human resources.
Minimum quality standards and a quality assurance programme for pathology and clinical laboratory services.
Continuous Professional Education (CPE) programmes for laboratory personnel, including pathologists, haematologists, microbiologists, and laboratory technicians.

Team

Project Lead

Nheb Mary, Head of Pathology, Calmette Hospital

Project Team

Nheb Mary, Head of Pathology, Calmette Hospital
San Kimseang, Pathologist, Luang Mé Hospital
Leang Vitou, Pathologist, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
Kea Lyda, Laboratory Manager and Laboratory Technician, Orange Cancer Clinic
Kruoch Dila, Pathologist, Kantha Bopha Hospital
Srey Viso, Head of Laboratory, National Paediatric Hospital.
May Samouth, Health of Laboratory, Kantha Bopha Hospital
Botr Chhunly, Laboratory Technician, Japan Heart Asia Children's Medical Center
Hou Chantha, Haematologist, Calmette Hospital
Thay Kosal, Head of Laboratory and Pathology Department, Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
Pich Pintuna, Senior Laboratory Technician, Calmette Hospital
Lorm Vi Akara, Laboratory Technician, Kantha Bopha Hospital