PHNOM PENH: Pregnant people can expect to see an increase in pre and post natal care benefits starting in August.

Speaking at a meeting of nearly 20,000 Royal Group SEZ workers in Phnom Penh this morning, Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed that the government will be providing larger stipends for prenatal and postpartum visits from August onwards.

"For now the old policy stands, but from August onwards the new policy will go into effect," he said.

Once the new benefits kick in, parents will receive 80,000 riels for each prenatal check-up; 400,000 riels upon the baby’s delivery; and 80,000 riels for postpartum visits.

The Prime Minister clarified that the benefits will apply from pregnancy until the child is two years old, during which time the state will dispense about 2.5 million riels ($608 USD) per child, which is double the current rate.

The PM said that although the budget is small, it is still a contribution to women’s and children’s health.