The Director General of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Mohammad Karaki (on the left). (CreditL NSSF)
BEIRUT — The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) announced Thursday the renewal of its contracts with al-Irfane and Clemenceau Medical Center hospitals, while warning that the agreements could be terminated if the hospitals fail to meet their commitments.
In a statement, NSSF Director General Mohammad Karaki said he had received official letters from the hospitals confirming their "commitment to fully comply with insurance laws and regulations," particularly adhering to the rates for surgical procedures and dialysis sessions set by the institution.
Karaki stressed that he would not hesitate to terminate the contracts again if the hospitals violate any terms, especially regarding additional charges to patients.
recently terminated contracts with five hospitals, accusing them of "seeking to impoverish what remains of Lebanese employees by imposing high and absurd rates." The institution also warned of ending agreements with other facilities, though it clarified that patients needing dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy would not be affected.
Thus, agreements with Beirut Eye & ENT Hospital, al-Arz Hospital, Kesrouan Medical Center, Hôtel-Dieu de France, and al-Irfane Hospital were rescinded. The NSSF threatened to end its agreements with 16 other establishments for the same reasons, including the American University Medical Hospital, Rizk Hospital, Lebanese-Geitaoui Hospital, St Georges Hospital, al-Zahraa Hospital, Mount Lebanon Hospital, St. Charles Hospital, Maounat Hospital, Bhannes Hospital, Bellevue Medical Center, Our Lady of Lebanon Hospital, Our Lady Maritime Hospital, al-Youssef Medical Center, Habtour Hospital, Batroun Hospital and Najjar Hospital.
Hospital officials from affected institutions sought meetings with Karaki to negotiate new contracts. However, Clemenceau Medical Center was not listed in the NSSF's Jan. 22 statement. The hospital’s director clarified that its contract had been terminated months ago due to similar violations.
Lebanon's ongoing economic and financial crisis, worsened by the war between Hezbollah and Israel, has deeply strained the healthcare sector. The NSSF, whose rates are calculated in Lebanese lira, faces mounting challenges as the currency has sharply devalued, leaving private hospitals dissatisfied with the coverage offered and jeopardizing healthcare access for Lebanon's most vulnerable populations.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient Le-Jour.
