The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is set to continue enhancing the promotion of voluntary contributions to healthcare in 2024, aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of efforts geared towards safeguarding the welfare of the Cambodian people.

NSSF deputy director-general Heng Sophannarith announced on March 12 that the fund, under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, plans to further disseminate information about the programme. 

He said the initiative will target civil servants across various ministries and institutions, thereby augmenting the benefits provided by the social security fund in various forms.

“The NSSF will also carry on exploring flexible approaches in establishing a mobile registration working group in urban areas and markets. Additionally, we are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality and efficiency of basic health services, which are crucial partners of the NSSF,” he stated.

Sophannarith highlighted that the efforts align with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 and its priority policy programmes.

He said these strategies are crucial in ensuring the equitable and socially inclusive execution of the fund’s mission.

Sophannarith asserted that the NSSF will persist in promoting the development of the fund for workers, public officials, former civil servants, veterans and self-employed individuals who contribute to and participate in informal economic activities.

He explained that the initiative will be underpinned by five key programmes: expanding the social security fund’s scope of implementation, enhancing the quality and capacity of service providers, increasing awareness and strengthening law enforcement, ensuring the fund’s sustainability and developing institutional capacity.

Fa Saly, president of the National Trade Union Confederation (NTUC), stated that the expansion of the social security fund’s promotion is vital for self-employed individuals, workers, employees and the general public to understand its benefits.

He also advocated for the improvement and expansion of the health sector.

“I would like to request that the director-general of the NSSF, along with the Ministry of Health and the labour ministry, expedite the provision of services to NSSF members, such as treatments, examinations and medicine distribution. There have been instances of slow and inactive staff in some hospitals in the past, so it’s imperative that the institution improves this service,” he stated.

The NSSF reported that since the official announcement of its voluntary healthcare framework on November 14, 2023, there has been active promotion through social media and campaigns in factories, enterprises, residential areas, markets and towns. 

As of March 5, nearly 170,000 individuals have enrolled as members of the fund.