PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Manet was officially approved by the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly on the morning of August 22. During his speech on the floor of the legislative body, PM Hun Manet outlined the new administration’s political platform. He highlighted six priority policies that are to be implemented immediately which include healthcare, social assistance programs and moving the country towards a more formal economy so that citizens can benefit from formal social protection systems.

Prime Minister Hun Manet promised to lead the executive body in accordance with the CPP’s promise to the Cambodian people with six policies which include: expanding health coverage, vocational and technical training for impoverished and vulnerable youth, establishing social assistance programs, transitioning Cambodia’s informal economy into a formal one, boosting the agricultural economy, and forming farmers’ associations in rural areas.

The Royal Government recently implemented a socialized healthcare program through the Health Equity Fund system for individuals working in tourism services of the informal economy, especially women working in bars, discos, karaoke bars, massage parlors and spas.

Secretary-General of the National Council for Social Protection, Chan Narith, said that Cambodia has already implemented two health care regimes, which are currently being implemented, while the state plans to pay for health care to individuals working in the tourism industry the informal economy is an initial estimate of about $230,000 a year.

So far, the National Social Security Fund has a total of 1,945,795 members, most of whom work in the private sector. About 434,151 people work in the public sector.