Labor Ministry launches NSSF reform plan

Computerization and fighting
corruption are priorities

The Ministry of Labor launched a reform plan for National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Sejaan Azzi, Minister of Labor, said that the first step will be implementing a policy of reward and punishment. The minister was conferring on Friday with the Economic Bodies at the premises of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (CCIA-BML).

Azzi said: “Several enhancements will be conducted, and computerization will be our priority.” All NSSF departments will be computerized. It will also be connected to hospitals and pharmacies. According to Azzi, funding is available from international institutions. “The ministry will work with all stakeholders to enhance the performance of NSSF,” he said.

The Economic Bodies prepared a study about NSSF and sent it to the Ministry for implementation. It includes analysis of the current situation, and proposed a policy for developing it.

The Economic Bodies called for implementing automation for all NSSF departments. Mohamad Choucair, Chairman of the CCIA-BML, said: “Developing the NSSF will have positive impacts on the economy.” He said that the Economic Bodies and the General Confederation of the Labor Unions agreed on launching a post-retirement health care program for NSSF.

Sleiman Haroun, Chairman of the Syndicate of Hospitals, said that the main problem at NSSF is the shortage in the number of employees. “The Ministry should give the NSSF the authority to employ more people and train them,” he said.

François Bassil, Chairman of the Association of Banks, said: “We demand a thorough reform for NSSF and to stop squandering and corruption.”

Adnan Kassar, Chairman of Economic Bodies said that the first step for reforming NSSF is imposing more control and applying a complete automation to get rid of bureaucracy.