The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Oxfam International co-hosted the annual National Forum on Social Protection Schemes in Cambodia on December 10, 2023. Held under the theme “Toward inclusive, gender responsive, and Universal social security in Cambodia,” the forum brought together around 120 participants representatives from government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and community members to discuss and share relevant issues in relation with NSSF services.
Key Highlights:
- Opening Remarks: The forum commenced with opening remarks from Ms. Phean Sophorn, Country Director of Oxfam in Cambodia, and H.E Dr. Heng Sophannarith, Deputy Director-General of NSSF. Both emphasized the importance of social protection in reducing poverty, promoting inclusive growth, gender inclusive and the collaboration among key stakeholders for improving the quality of NSSF aims to improve wellbeing and good health for its beneficiaries.
- Panel Discussions: The forum featured three panel discussions focusing on different aspects of social protection:
- Social accountability mechanism in NSSF and the enhancement for registry and fee: This panel discussed ways to expand coverage of social protection schemes, particularly for informal workers and vulnerable groups. It also explored strategies for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of existing schemes. Panelist included representative from communication and dissemination technical officer from NSSF, Ministry of labor and vocational training, CAMFEBA and workers as facilitated by Mr. Than Visal from Oxfam.
- Support maternal health and pregnancy: This panel discussed cash transfer scheme for supporting to women during their pregnancy, deliver and postnatal care for mom and their baby. Panelists included representative from the Ministry of labor and vocational training, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of health, TAFTAC, worker as facilitated by Ms. Chan Ramy.
- Strengthening quality and sufficiency for health care service for card holders of NSSF: This panel discussed the planning and challenges of health care services for supporting to the card holders. Panelists joined included the representative from the Ministry of Health, Regulator Social Security, Ministry of labor and vocational trainings, and Public Health Specialist as facilitated by Mr. Tim Vora, from HACC.
- Outcomes: The forum produced several key outcomes, including:
- A renewed commitment from the government and stakeholders to strengthen social protection in Cambodia.
- A set of recommendations for expanding coverage, improving scheme effectiveness, and expanding coverage service to cover more preventive method rather than the treatment.
- Reviewed health service packages for the card holders.
Overall, the forum was a valuable platform for discussing and advancing social protection in Cambodia. It provided a space for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, and helped to build consensus on the need for further investment and reforms in this critical area.
