27 Nov 2019

Emergency funding rescues New Caledonia social security agency

9:47 pm on 27 November 2019

The New Caledonian government says it will this week release $US20 million to the social security agency, which is running out of funds.

Social security agency CAFAT

Social security agency CAFAT Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

This emergency attribution was announced by president Thierry Santa after the agency last week told private medical professionals that it would suspend reimbursements with immediate effect.

The total additional sum to be made available in the coming months will be $US45m as the agency is facing overdue bills.

Midwives have taken to social media to tell of their financial hardship caused by the agency's funding crisis.

The assistance is being given as talks are planned to reform the social security system as the agency seeks to raise the retirement age.