Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a meeting dedicated to discussing the mechanism for supporting cancer and terminal illness medications and dialysis funding on Monday morning at the governmental saray. Participants included Minister of Public Health Firas Al-Abyad, Minister of Finance Yusuf Khalil, Acting Central Bank Governor Wassim Mansouri, and Director General of the Ministry of Finance George Meraoui.
After the meeting, the Health Minister revealed that the primary topic for discussion was the method for disbursing the funds approved by the Cabinet last week aimed at supporting medications for cancer and terminal illnesses. “Everyone was responsive, and the mechanism was clear,” he stated. He announced that “the disbursement of these funds will begin this week, as confirmed by the Acting Central Bank Governor. This issue is very important for the Ministry of Health, and as the government promised, we will continue to stand by cancer patients and those with terminal illnesses and dialysis to ensure they receive the medications they need to combat these diseases.”
He also mentioned that discussions were held with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank regarding hospitals and expediting the settlement of their dues, especially for hospitals treating dialysis patients, and an agreement was reached to expedite this matter.
He added, “Today was good for dialysis, cancer, and terminal illness patients, and the Ministry of Health and other parties will make every effort to fulfill their duties towards these patients.” Regarding funding sources, Minister Al-Abyad stated, “Part of the funding comes from Special Drawing Rights and funds obtained by the government. As the Acting Governor confirmed, depositor funds will not be touched. The necessary funds for the support mechanism are available, and the governor has confirmed this, and hopefully, it will cover the upcoming months, with the hope of achieving a political and economic solution in the country and opening a new chapter.”
**International Monetary Fund**
President Mikati, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami and Finance Minister Yusuf Khalil, met with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund led by mission chief Ernesto Rigo. The meeting included former minister advisors to Mikati, Nicolas Nahas and Samir Al-Daher, and the Director General of the Ministry of Finance, George Meraoui. During the meeting, a periodic review was conducted of the initial agreement signed between the Lebanese government and the Fund and what has been implemented from the contents of the agreement.
**Army Commander**
The Prime Minister also met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.
