Labor Minister Haidar Highlights Rapid Reform Path for Social Security Fund

Labor Minister Mohamed Haidar chaired an extensive work meeting at the headquarters of the National Social Security Fund in Beirut. The meeting was attended by the fund’s Director General Mohamed Karky, the Doctors’ Syndicate head Elias Challala, the Syndicate of Private Hospital Owners’ representative Pierre Yard, along with doctors, hospital representatives, and various directors and department heads from the fund.

In his remarks, Minister Haidar affirmed the legitimacy of several demands and concerns raised by the Doctors’ and Hospitals’ Syndicates. He noted that the ministry and the fund’s administration are pursuing a rapid reform agenda, with all cases submitted to the fund receiving serious processing and follow-up. He described the renewal of the medical fee schedule as a major reform step, while keeping the door open for revising any tariffs based on actual costs and economic conditions.

Haidar also highlighted the process of disbursing financial advances every 15 days, ensuring liquidity and financial security for doctors and hospitals, which supports the provision of optimal health services to beneficiaries. He pointed out that the value of these advances has reached 90 percent.

He added that work continues on reviewing drug tariffs, moving towards adopting coverage based on average prices rather than the lowest prices.

The minister instructed all relevant parties to focus on the beneficiaries and to avoid charging any unjustified financial differences, emphasizing that providing health protection for workers is the core mission and responsibility of the social security fund.

Regarding the pension and social protection law, Haidar stated that the law is expected to be implemented within one year from the date of appointing a new board of directors for the fund.

Director General Mohamed Karky announced that the fund will begin activating the Medical and Hospital Cost Study Committee. This will rely on local studies and expertise in cooperation with the International Labour Organization and other health stakeholders. The goal is to complete a new cost study within approximately three months to pave the way for adopting more balanced tariffs that consider the actual service costs and the fund’s financial capabilities.

Karky stressed that the health of beneficiaries remains the fund’s top priority. He noted that the administration has done and continues to do everything within its means but requires effective cooperation from hospitals and doctors, along with clear adherence to the approved tariffs. He praised the exceptional role played by doctors and hospitals during the crises Lebanon has faced since 2019.

Elias Challala praised the level of cooperation and coordination among the concerned parties, emphasizing the need to address certain financial, logistical, and technical issues related to how medical tariffs are calculated.

He also underscored that the social security fund constitutes the backbone of social and health protection in Lebanon and called for practical and swift solutions to ensure the rights of doctors and hospitals while protecting beneficiaries.

Pierre Yard described the current phase as one of “understanding and agreement,” noting gradual improvement and greater consensus among the various parties. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Labor and the fund’s administration to improve coverage, expedite payments, and increase the value of advances. However, he pointed out that the actual cost of hospital services still requires more precise study, especially given ongoing fluctuations in fuel prices, medical supplies, and imported treatments. He called for a reconsideration of tariffs for some routine procedures to better reflect their real costs.