New NSSF campaign targets workers, healthcare security
IN a drive to highlight the advantages of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) membership, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training’s NSSF disseminated information about conditions and procedures for voluntary contributions.
The 30-day campaign, launched on November 15, followed Prime Minister Hun Manet’s announcement of the National Social Protection implementation on November 14.
By November 19, a total of 197,408 individuals, notably those self-employed, participated in this outreach effort, as reported by the NSSF.
NSSF deputy director-general Heng Sophannarith stressed the significance of this initiative, ensuring better comprehension of National Social Protection among the members.
“In the upcoming 30 days of the campaign, heightened attention and broader promotion are crucial. NSSF leaders, both centrally and at provincial-commune branches, must share information extensively through various means and platforms. The goal is to ensure widespread awareness, particularly targeting self-employed individuals and existing NSSF members,” he emphasised.
Kong Atith, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), highlighted the significance of the NSSF in healthcare through voluntary contributions, especially the self-employed, and their families who possess an NSSF card. This card proves instrumental in reducing costs during illness treatments.
“At home, when only one family member possesses an NSSF card and another falls ill, the expenses can be substantial. Having NSSF cards for all family members significantly alleviates their financial burden. It proves invaluable when each member holds an NSSF card,” he explained.
The campaign, led by Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, aims to broaden the reach of the fund, enlightening people, especially workers and those self-employed, about the intricacies of the health care social security system.
Prime Minister Hun Manet previously outlined the goal of this new programme: expanding its scope to cater to the growing needs of individuals in the informal economy, particularly those self-employed seeking NSSF membership. It also addresses the desires of existing members who wish to extend health care coverage to their family through NSSF cards.
Emphasising that the fund symbolises the health and prosperity of the people and workers, Manet said it will reduce cost, ensuring income stability and improvement and the overall health enhancement of its members.
This initiative enables members, along with their dependents, spouses and children, to access the health care social security system by contributing 15,600 riel (nearly $4) per month. This contribution allows them to receive medical treatment and care at all NSSF partner hospitals and public hospitals.