Hospitals receive 383 billion LBP from NSSF

Lebanon’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has transferred approximately 383 billion Lebanese pounds to hospitals and doctors over the past two weeks, in a move aimed at stabilizing the country’s strained healthcare sector while safeguarding the rights of insured patients.

The payments come as part of the NSSF’s ongoing plan to ensure continuity of medical services amid Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis, which has left hospitals grappling with cash shortages, rising operational costs, and mounting arrears.

A new round of payments for 2026

NSSF Director-General Dr. Mohammad Karki issued Decision No. 63, authorizing a new round of advance payments totaling 173 billion LBP to contracted hospitals and doctors. This transfer represents the second payment batch for 2026, following earlier disbursements made earlier in the year.

According to the NSSF, these payments are part of a system of regular funding transfers designed to ease financial pressure on healthcare providers and prevent service disruptions, particularly for insured patients who rely on NSSF coverage for essential care.

Balancing support and patient protection

While emphasizing support for hospitals and medical professionals, the NSSF reiterated that all contracted institutions must strictly adhere to approved tariffs. Hospitals and doctors are prohibited from charging beneficiaries additional or unjustified fees beyond what is contractually agreed upon.

The fund warned that such practices constitute a clear violation of contractual obligations and represent an infringement on the rights of insured patients, an issue that has become increasingly sensitive as many Lebanese struggle to afford basic healthcare amid inflation and currency depreciation.

In this context, regular payments from the NSSF are seen as critical to maintaining a minimum level of stability within the system, particularly for public and semi-public hospitals that rely heavily on NSSF reimbursements.

Commitment to cooperation and accountability

Dr. Karki stressed the administration’s commitment to resolving outstanding financial files and reinforcing responsible cooperation between the NSSF, hospitals, and doctors. This partnership is essential to protecting public health, ensuring continuity of hospital services, and maintaining a fair balance between patient dignity and the professional role of healthcare providers.