The Health Products Strategic Plan of the Department of Drugs, Food, Medical Equipment, and Cosmetics – Phase III aims to complement the National Health Strategic Plan 2023–2030, providing guidance for the development of the sector as well as for development partners interested in supporting the pharmaceutical sector during this period.

Following the first and second Pharmaceutical Strategic Plans for 2005–2010 and 2013–2018, which provided direction for the development of the pharmaceutical sector (both public and private) and for interested donors in Cambodia, the preparation of this third plan has been led by the Department of Drugs, Food, Medical Equipment, and Cosmetics (DDF), with participation from the Central Medical Store (CMS), the National Health Product Quality Control Center (NHQC), and other relevant institutions, including the University of Health Sciences. Technical and financial assistance has been provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Ministry of Health is committed to continuously improving the quality of the pharmaceutical sector, with the ultimate objective of providing effective, high-quality healthcare to the people of Cambodia, particularly the poor and those living in remote rural areas. Indeed, continuous improvements in the quality of services and products in the pharmaceutical sector contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, this effort will have a positive impact on Cambodia’s economic development and national growth as a whole.

The Ministry’s commitment to improving the pharmaceutical sector is reflected in the strategic actions and expected results outlined in this seven-year Strategic Plan. The plan includes an implementation framework with concrete and practical activities which, if carried out step by step over the next seven years, will result in significant improvements not only in the pharmaceutical sector but also in other related sectors across the country.

Nevertheless, these expected results cannot be achieved by the pharmaceutical sector alone. The sector is an integral part of the overall health system. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, other line ministries in the Royal Government, and non-governmental organizations will continue to support staff and activities in this sector. Ongoing technical and financial support from development partners is essential and invaluable in order to achieve the outcomes outlined in this Strategic Plan.