Beirut: The Economic, Social and Environmental Council recently hosted a significant meeting with the newly appointed board of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), led by Dr. Bechara Asmar. The meeting aimed to initiate a new phase of cooperation and bolster efforts to strengthen the NSSF.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Council President Charles Arbid highlighted that the appointment of a new board represents a long-awaited fresh start for the institution. He emphasized the importance of close coordination among employers, workers, and public authorities. Dr. Bechara Asmar outlined several priorities for the NSSF, including improving access to healthcare and medicines, expanding medical coverage, modernizing the NSSF through automation and digital transformation, restoring end-of-service benefits that have been affected by the financial collapse, and recovering funds owed to the NSSF by the state, Banque du Liban, and banks.

Economic Bodies President Mohammad Choucair underscored the need to fairly resolve the end-of-service indemnity issue for both workers and employers and protect formal-sector institutions. NSSF Director General Dr. Mohammad Karaki detailed the fund's focus on four main priorities: increasing benefits, expanding coverage through pension and social-protection schemes, modernizing the institution, and accelerating digital transformation.

Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar, who joined the meeting via Zoom, stated that the next phase should concentrate on urgent files and clear priorities to achieve tangible results for both beneficiaries and employers.