The growing deficit of the Fund, an affiliate of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has led to upsetting effects as hospital owners decided to stop offering services to patients insured through the fund before the government pays them their dues.

The first payment will occur in 2010. It was set at $33 million, and it will be paid from the 2010 draft state budget when approved.  Another $53 million will be paid in 2011, and this item will be incorporated to the 2011 budget.

Minister Boutors Harb, has repeatedly insisted since he was appointed on head of the Ministry of Labor that he will not allow closing of this fund, which helps thousands of beneficiaries from the private sector insure their hospitalization and medical services.

Harb had a phone call with the head of the Syndicate of Hospital Owners, Sleiman Haroun, to inform him of the government’s decision, and ask hospitals to resume offering services to people insured through the fund.

The Ministry and hospital owners will form a joint committee that will discuss ways that the government will follow to settle the NSSF dues to hospitals.