Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 10 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed that the policy of supporting pregnant women until childbirth, originally introduced by Samdech Techo, will continue under the seventh-mandate government. This is a valuable policy aimed at supporting women.
The premier addressed workers at the Marvel Garment Factory nursery in Phnom Penh's Royal Group Special Economic Zone on Monday (Mar. 10).
Samdech Thipadei also encouraged families to have more children, highlighting the government's commitment to providing assistance to pregnant women throughout their pregnancy.
Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored, “This policy demonstrates how much the government cares. From pregnancy onwards, we receive subsidies… We also benefit from medical support through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), with the state covering the costs.”
The NSSF provides financial support to pregnant women who meet the eligibility criteria, offering subsidies in three phases, totalling 15 instalments, from prenatal check-ups through childbirth until the child reaches the age of two.
- Phase 1: Covers four prenatal check-ups, with each visit receiving a subsidy of 80,000 Riel.
- Phase 2: Provides financial support at the time of delivery, offering 800,000 Riels for one child, 1.2 million Riels for twins, and 1.6 million Riels for triplets. In addition, mothers receive an extra five million riel in direct support from Samdech Techo and Samdech Kathipritbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen.
- Phase 3: Covers the post-delivery period until the child turns two, providing 10 additional subsidies of 80,000 Riels each, which includes three maternal health check-ups and seven child vaccinations.
Additionally, all eligible pregnant women under the NSSF will receive a maternity allowance of 120 per cent of their wages, with 50 per cent covered by their employer and 70 per cent by the NSSF, along with other benefits.
The Royal Government’s new strategic policy aims to enhance subsidies for NSSF members who are pregnant women and children under two, ensuring maternal and child well-being while addressing malnutrition from pregnancy through early childhood. This initiative aligns with the National Social Protection Policy, supporting both physical and cognitive development.
As of the end of 2024, 1.1 million pregnant women and children under two from low-income families with social security cards and NSSF membership have received subsidies through the government’s cash assistance program.
=FRESH NEWS
