The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is set to launch a five-year strategy focused on job development and vocational training.
This is a key step in broadening the range of services available to the families and dependents of fund members.
According to the agency’s official Facebook page, a meeting was held on August 28 to discuss the readiness to roll out the five-year action plan.
This plan, set for 2023-28, aims to enhance employment opportunities and vocational training as part of strengthening the social security organisation.
The meeting was chaired by the institution’s acting director general Meng Hong and was attended by about 100 leaders and relevant officials.
Hong said that being involved in executing this five-year strategic plan is crucial for improving and expanding the social security system globally.
A key focus will be extending access to healthcare benefits for family members and dependents.
He added that for the strategic plan to succeed, the agency’s relevant departments must work diligently to meet the set goals and effectively expand coverage.
“We hope that leaders from all units of the NSSF, across provinces and districts, will enhance cooperation within their teams. The focus should be on carrying out their duties in a responsible, considerate and steadfast manner to better serve and benefit our members,” he said.
Kong Atith, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), said that it is a positive and welcome move if the NSSF plans to extend healthcare access to the families and dependents of its members.
He asserted that as the fund gears up to launch its strategic plan, it should also focus on improving its existing healthcare services for members.
He noted that in the past, some affiliated and state hospitals have been slow to provide services, particularly to those carrying the NSSF membership card.
“If we’re expanding the number of services, we must also improve their quality. Good healthcare for our members needs to be timely and effective. We’re aware that medical services in some communes, districts and provinces have been subpar, so quantity must be accompanied by quality improvements,” he said.
He added that when compared to Thailand, the healthcare services there are of a high standard.
“In Cambodia, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
need to be proactive and allocate funds to improve the healthcare sector. While some districts, towns and provinces already offer good services, there are still areas where the NSSF service to its members falls short”.
