In a show of support for its overseas citizens, the Cambodian Embassy in South Korea recently partnered with Soon Chun Hyang (SCH) Hospital and the Gimhae Foreign Support Centre to offer free health checkups to Cambodian migrant workers and residents. The initiative, held on Saturday at the Gimhae Health Centre, drew over 150 Cambodians living and working in the country.
The event was led by Cambodian Ambassador to South Korea, Chring Botum Rangsay, and attended by key Korean dignitaries including Gimhae Mayor Hong Tae Yong, Dr Park Byoungwon from SCH Hospital, and Kang Sun Hee, Deputy Director of the Gimhae Foreign Support Centre. Cambodian embassy officials, volunteer doctors, youth volunteers, and community members also participated.
Ambassador Botum Rangsay praised the collaboration and highlighted the vital role Cambodian workers play in South Korea’s economy. She conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing his ongoing concern for Cambodians abroad. The ambassador also encouraged the community to prioritize their health and utilize the public services offered by the embassy.
Doctors from SCH Hospital and the HWPL organization provided a comprehensive range of services. These included general health checks, heart exams, blood tests, ear-nose-throat consultations, gynecological and prenatal care, and psychological counseling. Over 100 attendees also received free medication and health supplies, donated by various supporters.
Mayor Hong and SCH’s Dr Park reiterated their commitment to extending similar services to Cambodian communities in other regions of South Korea. This event is part of a continuing annual health outreach initiative coordinated by the Cambodian Embassy and SCH Hospital. Two more health check-up events are planned later this year in different parts of the country.
Currently, there are around 54,000 Cambodian workers in South Korea, employed mainly in construction, agriculture, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Most of them arrived through the Employment Permit System (EPS), a government-to-government programme that facilitates legal employment for foreign workers. Since the EPS launched in 2006, more than 68,000 Cambodians have worked in South Korea under the scheme.