In close partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), the ACCESS 2 Rehabilitation Workstream has made significant progress in recent years. including integrating rehabilitation into MoH policies and expanding hospital-based services nationwide such as prosthetics and orthotics, assistive devices, physiotherapy, and speech therapy.
Building on these gains, the Year 4 Annual Work Plan (July 2026–June 2027) focuses on strengthening sustainable financing mechanisms and developing a skilled rehabilitation workforce. It aligns with Royal Government of Cambodia priorities, including the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap, and encourages collaboration with DFAT-supported programs such as HEQIP 2 and ISPH II.
On 20 May 2026, ACCESS 2 organised the Rehabilitation Workstream Year 4 Annual Work Plan Workshop in Phnom Penh. The workshop convenedrepresentatives from the MoH, Provincial Health Departments at national and sub-national levels, the General Secretariat of the National Social Protection Council (GS-NSPC) – UHC Secretariat, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), ACCESS 2’s rehabilitation SIPs, professional associations, development partners, and service user representatives. Participants reflected on progress, challenges, lessons learned, and identified priorities for strengthening rehabilitation services within the health system.During group discussions, participants cosidered how to improve access to quality rehabilitation services, ensure equitable and sustainable financing, and strengthen career pathways, defined roles, and contractual arrangements for the rehabilitation workforce.
Ms Tegan Park, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, reaffirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to a people-centred and rights-based approach, particularly for women, persons with disabilities, and those in rural and underserved areas. She also emphasised the need for stronger alignment between ACCESS 2 and other DFAT-supported initiatives.
H.E Ngov Kang, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, expressed appreciation to the Australian Government for its continued partnership and support to Cambodia’s health sector, particularly in strengthening rehabilitation services. He also thanked government institutions at all levels, development partners, professional associations, and other stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration.
Mr Hin Ron, rehabilitation service user from Kratie Province, shared his experience after losing his left leg in a road accident. After a detailed assessment, he received a transtibial prosthesis and rehabilitation support at the Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Unit in Kratie, which helped him regained mobility and return to his daily activities. He expressed appreciation for the quality of care he received.
Through ACCESS 2, the Australian Government continues to invest in gender equality, disability inclusion, and rehabilitation, ensuring equitable access to essential services for all.
