Cambodian health clinic owner jailed for five years over fatal injection, dumping of patient’s body

PHNOM PENH: The owner of Songhak Marina Maternity and Treatment Clinic, who administered a fatal injection to a patient last year and subsequently dumped the victim’s body, has been sentenced by to 5 years in prison, while her husband received a one-year sentence.

On November 17, the Takeo Provincial Court sentenced Sun Marina, 39, to a fixed prison term of five years and issued a fine of eight million riel (approximately US$2,000).

A patient died after receiving what was supposed to be a routine injection at the clinic, in Trapeang Krasaing Commune, Bati District, Takeo Province, in November last year.

On November 18, 2024, a woman named Nam Chanthou, 41, sought treatment at the clinic, bringing along her three-year-old niece. However, she suffered a severe drug reaction and passed away. The owner of the facility, which had been operating for years without a licence, took Chanthou’s body and dumped it in a roadside bush, along with her terrified niece.

A spokesperson for the Takeo court said on November 18 that Marina was convicted on four charges related to involuntary manslaughter, the unlicensed practice of medicine, concealment of a corpse, and torture and acts of cruelty with aggravating circumstances regarding the victim.

Meanwhile, Marina’s husband Hieng Song Hak, 37, was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 3 million riel (approximately US$750) for the unlicensed practice of medicine resulting in the death of a patient.

The facility was immediately shut down by the Ministry of Health. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN