ANN/PHNOM PENH – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has unveiled plans to enhance health insurance coverage through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The proposed initiative will grant immediate family members of NSSF cardholders access to healthcare services at no cost.
Addressing an audience of over 18,000 workers in Takhmao town yesterday, Manet confirmed that he had already signed a sub-decree outlining the details of this programme.
The NSSF’s regulations only provide free medical treatment to cardholders themselves at NSSF-affiliated hospitals and clinics.
Manet highlighted this issue, saying, “For example, if you are an NSSF member and seek medical treatment, you won’t have to pay. However, if your spouse is not an NSSF member, they will be billed, and the same goes for your children.”
He explained the government’s approach, stating, “We have taken this matter into consideration. We will not compel them to join. We estimate that each individual will contribute approximately USD4 per month. If they fall ill, they can receive free treatment, regardless of how many times in a month.”
“We will roll out this programme me soon. With just an expenditure of KHR150,000 (approximately USD4), you will be entitled to free medical treatment for your non-NSSF member spouse or children. Additionally, if your hospital stay exceeds eight days, we will provide financial assistance to compensate for the income lost during your hospitalisation,” he said.
The exact details regarding whether the USD4 contribution will be added to the existing monthly contributions of NSSF members or if a separate fee structure will be implemented remain unclear.
Manet also reiterated that his government intends to keep the promises it made before the election. Work on these promises starts this year, and they will not wait until next year, he said. “We were only formed a week ago, but implementation of our policies is already underway. Trust me, the government, which has been entrusted by the people and the leaders of the winning party, will not sleep or scratch our bellies while our people are suffering.
“We came to meet you here and tell you what we are doing,” he explained. Our programmes are based on a scientific approach, not on feelings or emotions like some parties have described their policies,” he added.
He instructed all ministers to start fulfilling their duties soon, noting that he had observed that some ministries begun meeting as soon as the new government was formed, while others had waited.
Manet also elaborated on the immediate actions the new government planned to implement soon, including the provision of free vocational training for youth from impoverished families and the formation of farmers’ communities, among others.
Regarding this year’s minimum wage negotiations, Manet said that a decision will be made before the Pchum Ben festival, which falls in the second week of October.
“We want to make it clear to you, so you depart for the festival with positive feelings,” he said.
