Cambodian garment workers and labour rights organisations have termed the free health check-ups offered by the country’s Ministry of Health as inadequate.
The health programme that was initiated in late September this year was a part of an effort made by Prime Minister Hun Sen to benefit garment workers.
Dr Keo Rotha, Svay Rieng Provincial Health Department Director, had then said that these clinics would conduct x-rays, blood tests and blood pressure tests if any worker fainted in the factory. However, according to workers, the services so far have been dismal.
Seak Hong, who works as a garment worker at Horizon Outdoor (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. in the central province of Kampong Chhnang, complained that the clinic never took her blood test when she went there for a check-up.
The worker also complained that for every illness the patients were given vitamin tablets and paracetamol.
Prak Vun, Director at Kampong Chhnang Health Department, remarked that the garment workers were not receiving anything more than a mere general check-up at the clinic. He was unsure of whether the services will continue.
Nobody from Ministry of Health was available for comments.
