Cambodia Strengthens Social Security Healthcare Services; Stakeholders Convene

Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Fund (B.S.S.), led a consultation meeting with stakeholders on the implementation of agreements for healthcare services and payment mechanisms of the B.S.S. with partner healthcare facilities. The meeting was held on the afternoon of July 3, 2026, at the Ministry's headquarters. The important meeting was attended by over 80 participants from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, Medical Council, B.S.S., General Secretariat of the National Social Protection Council, National Agency for Cost Verification, Social Security Regulator, and healthcare facilities. The primary objective was to review the service delivery system, exchange views, and gather input to find solutions to challenges related to the implementation of agreements on the use and provision of healthcare services. It also aimed to establish appropriate and sustainable payment mechanisms for B.S.S. members, especially as the number of users at partner hospitals, both public and private, continues to rise, particularly at national-level hospitals. Minister Heng Sour emphasized the government's high attention to providing B.S.S. services to members in the areas of work-related risks, healthcare, and pensions, which has made these services increasingly popular and attracted more citizens, especially in healthcare. Furthermore, the government has a vision to expand B.S.S. service coverage sustainably, based on the principles of equity and equality, not solely relying on the national budget. He noted that B.S.S. members currently tend to use services at national hospitals with confidence. Concurrently, the Minister highlighted the necessity of jointly seeking methods to encourage B.S.S. members to utilize services at local facilities, such as district or provincial referral hospitals. This would help alleviate the burden on national hospitals and provide income for local hospitals to strengthen their capacity, particularly in terms of specialized equipment, human resources, consultation rooms, and inpatient beds, enabling them to meet member needs. Following a presentation by Khun Channarith, Deputy Director General of B.S.S., on the implementation of agreements and the healthcare service payment mechanism between B.S.S. and partner healthcare facilities, the meeting engaged in a lively discussion. Important suggestions were made to address these challenges in line with the government's considerations. Participants expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Labour for organizing the meeting to inform them of the B.S.S. situation and supported the strategic and far-sighted remarks of Minister Heng Sour. Minister Heng Sour expressed his profound gratitude to all participants and highly valued the fruitful discussions, deeming them valuable input for implementation. He encouraged continued cooperation to achieve the common goal of maintaining the sustainability of B.S.S. operations and promoting the health of the Cambodian people. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local