By:
• Lay Sopheavotey

• November 28, 2024 , 4:00 PM

PHNOM PENH – Informal workers with big families may get health care at concessional rates under a plan being considered by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Fund deputy director-general Heng Sophannarith said on Nov. 26 that the NSSF would review the proposal. 

He was speaking at a national forum on social protection organized by non-governmental organization Oxfam. The NSSF, community leaders and worker groups took part. 

Regional forums were held earlier in Preah Sihanouk, Svay Rieng and Siem Reap provinces. 

“Workers with large families have consistently requested in these forums for lower social security contributions,” Sophannarith said. 

“The NSSF will further study this matter in line with the recommendations from the Labour Minister, with outcomes expected by mid-2025. 

“Participants suggested the NSSF and the Ministry of Health improve public healthcare services for social security cardholders to ensure no one is left behind from the social protection system,” he said. 

From the forums, Sophannarith had seen that stakeholders, particularly vendors and farmers, were now aware of the benefits of social security cards. 

Tan Visal, a representative from Oxfam in Cambodia, said nearly 1,000 people took part in these forums, including community leaders and workers from various sectors. 

“Key speakers from the ministries, organizations and independent experts shared insights, practical experience and proposed solutions to the participants,” Visal said. 
“Oxfam considers social dialogue a vital tool to addressing the challenges, gathering requests and fostering collaboration to bridge the gaps and reach decent work for all. 

“The organization is dedicated to working with public sectors in promoting, researching and strengthening social dialogue to ensure the social protection system in the country becomes more resilient.” 

Since 2017, seven million poor and vulnerable people have benefitted from $4.3 billion in social protection. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.