On 29 April 2026, the Director of the Kampong Speu Provincial Referral Hospital, OIC and ACCESS 2 inaugurated the Speech Therapy Service at Kampong Speu Provincial Referral Hospital. This is the second Speech Therapy service supported by the Australian Government through OIC, following the inauguration at Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital in January 2026.
The need for rehabilitation services in Cambodia, including Speech Therapy, continues to grow—driven by non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as stroke, and other health conditions including children with autism and communication difficulties. Speech Therapy plays a vital role in recovery, communication, independence, and overall quality of life for both adults and children.
The launch of Speech Therapy services will enable Kampong Speu Provincial Referral Hospital to provide more comprehensive and inclusive care, benefitting communities in this province and beyond, and supporting Cambodia’s goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2035.
The Director of the Kampong Speu Provincial Referral Hospital thanked OIC and ACCESS 2 for their support saying “Speech Therapy helps children overcome communication difficulties. At this Communication and Language Support Room parents will get practical knowledge of how to assist their children with their communication.”
This Communication and Language Support Room builds on ACCESS 2’s strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) that began with the establishment of Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Units in October 2024. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening rehabilitation services within Cambodia’s health system. Early and quality rehabilitation services are proven to reduce hospital stays, prevent complications, and improve long-term health outcomes.
ACCESS 2 would like to thank the Kampong Speu Provincial Health Department, Provincial Referral Hospital, and the Sub-National Administration of Kampong Speu for their leadership and continued partnership in providing the hospital staff and space for this Speech Therapy service.
ACCESS 2, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and health facilities remains committed to ensuring rehabilitation services are accessible, affordable without financial hardship, and integrated within the national health system.
We thank the Australian Government for their support of the development of rehabilitation services in Cambodia, including Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Assistive Devices across several hospitals.
