By Ma Ma - Dec 14, 2024
Although the Social Security has been collaborating with private sectors to expand hospitals and clinics across various townships, workers have expressed criticism, stating that the system is still far from being truly reliable or supportive at the grassroots level.
“Getting the benefits we’re supposed to receive from them is a struggle. For instance, the only thing we can really rely on is getting a medical certificate to apply for sick leave. Even though we pay our monthly contributions, the reality is that things don’t work as they should,” said a factory worker.
Union Minister for Labour U Myint Naung has publicly emphasized the importance of a reliable and trusted social security system for employers and workers, while also promising to improve healthcare services for insured workers. However, workers report numerous issues, including shortages of medication and poor service at township clinics under the SSB.
“I visited the Taw Win Dragon Clinic in North Dagon, which is part of the SSB. I arrived there at 9 a.m., but there was no doctor. I waited until 10 a.m., and still, no one came. Finally, I left and returned around 12:30 p.m., when I finally saw a doctor. After being examined, the doctor prescribed five types of medicine, but the clinic had only one of them available. I had to purchase the remaining four medicines myself. I’ve been contributing to social security for over seven years, and this was the first time I went to a clinic. In the past, I never bothered because there was either no doctor available or the doctor wasn’t in on that particular day. I only went this time because my employer insisted I should. But when I had a sore throat, they didn’t have the necessary medication. No painkillers, no antibiotics—only a simple vitamin supplement,” another worker shared.
At the moment, employers at the grassroots level are dealing with issues related to poor service, unavailability of medicines, and insufficient staffing at these clinics.
The social security system requires contributions totaling 5% of basic wages, with employers paying 3% and workers contributing 2%. However, many workers say they are not receiving adequate benefits in return.
“For instance, as a female garment worker, I was able to deliver my baby via surgery at a public hospital for almost free, which was very helpful. But for regular medical consultations, I had to apply for leave from work and visit a Social Security clinic. That’s not always convenient, especially since some factories don’t grant leave easily. Moreover, even when we do visit, there’s often no medicine available at the clinics. For minor illnesses, I end up having to pay out of pocket at private clinics because of the delays and shortages at Social Security clinics,” said another garment worker.
The contributions paid to the Social Security system are intended to provide access to the benefits and protections covered under the various types of insurance included in the system.
According to the 2012 Social Security Law, there are six types of insurance schemes outlined. However, only two schemes—Health and Social Care Insurance and Work Injury Benefits Insurance—have been implemented so far. The remaining insurance schemes have not yet been put into practice.
