AKP Phnom Penh, January 13, 2026 --

H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, today lauded the "Smile Operation" as a humanitarian mission that not only provides surgical care but also restores confidence, dignity, hope, and a brighter future for Cambodian children and their families.

The Minister made his remarks during an inspection visit to the "Smile Cambodia – Northwest Medical Volunteers (USA)" surgical mission at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh.

H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra emphasised that the initiative extends beyond correcting physical conditions, calling it "a humanitarian mission that brings confidence, dignity, hope, and a better future to children and families through compassion."

He expressed his profound gratitude to the national and international medical teams for providing pro bono surgical care to patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, nasal deformities, ear abnormalities, burn contractures, and other craniofacial conditions.

The Minister also extended his thanks to all partnering organisations and volunteers for "bringing smiles and treatment to the people of Cambodia."

By K. Rithy Reak