PHNOM PENH: Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Dr. Chan Narith, said that developing the social security system is very important to promoting social welfare by ensuring access to health services, maintaining safety and keeping people out of dire financial straits so that they can use their savings for domestic investment.

Chan Narith spoke at a forum on the development of the social security system and its impact on social and economic well-being on June 29 at the Phnom Penh Hotel, which was also attended by German Ambassador to Cambodia Stefan Messerer.

The forum was organized to understand and promote Cambodia’s social security system and to see how it has impacted social and economic well-being for the public and the relevant stakeholders.

Secretary General of the National Social Protection Council (NSPC), Dr. Chan Narith, confirmed the Royal Government's vision for the development of the social security system by promoting the role, regulation and oversight of the NSPC. Depending on available resources and evolving current events, the government will continue to strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of social security operators and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

The NSPC is considering expanding the list of institutions that are certified to provide medical services within the social security system. The council is also developing a roadmap towards international health coverage and digitalization of the system. Additionally, Dr. Chan Narith said that the council is launching a strategy for encouraging the private sector to register within the social security system.

Ambassador Messerer said that the NSSF is now working on official health insurance and pensions for laborers and civil servants, providing them with much-needed social protection. The system still needs further strengthening to provide effective social protection, especially for vulnerable populations, that he says can be protected by a social system that prevents poverty and provides stability during times of crisis. He added that he looks forward to building the social security net through future cooperative initiatives.

The forum was also attended by experts from the University of Finland and the University of Vilnius, Lithuania, who shared their expertise.