Social Security Benefits: Ministry of Labour holds workshop on development

Ministry of Labour held a workshop on the "Development of Social Security Benefits" on Monday at the Myanmar Convention Center (MCC) in Mayangone Township, Yangon Region.

At the workshop, Union Minister U Maung Myint stated that the ministry is currently implementing measures in 136 townships to ensure health care services and benefits for over 1.3 million insured workers.

These operations are carried out through 3 workers' hospitals, 80 township offices, 58 township clinics, 46 department/factory clinics, 71 contracted clinics, 1 traditional medicine clinic, and 8 maternity units, along with 4 mobile medical care vehicles. Services are also being provided by signing contracts with private hospitals and clinics under the Provider-Purchaser Split (PPS) system on a Fee-for-Service payment basis.

Furthermore, feasibility studies will be conducted to open more workers' hospitals in order to expand health care services. He also mentioned that social security cash benefits and medical expense reimbursements for insured workers who paid out-of-pocket for treatments at external hospitals and clinics are being verified and refunded as quickly as possible.

Additionally, schemes will be implemented to allow insured workers facing urgent financial needs to borrow money from the Social Security Fund at suitable interest rates.

During the workshop, discussions were held on strengthening cooperation among employers, employees, and the Social Security Board. The Union Minister concluded by stating that technological advancements will be utilized to deliver improved social security benefit services.