The Syndicate of Owners of Medical Laboratories in Lebanon convened a broad meeting at the Doctor's House in Furn El Chebbak. Attendees included the Syndicate President Dr. Christian Haddad, Member of Parliament Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine, President of the Pharmacists Syndicate in Lebanon Dr. Abdulrahman Merqabawi, Representative of the Ministry of Economy Head of the Insurance Bodies Regulatory Committee Nadim Haddad, Representative of the Order of Physicians in Beirut Dr. Alain Khalaf, along with many laboratory owners and interested parties.
Dr. Haddad initiated the meeting, expressing deep concerns about the future of medical laboratories in Lebanon and their sustainability. He highlighted worries over patients' health who rely on the services, which are integral due to the sector it's based in, providing 70% of diagnoses. Rising costs are becoming unsustainable, compounded by the unfair current pricing policies enforced by insurance companies.
The rising costs include reagent prices, analyses, and maintenance of equipment, while insurance premiums have increased annually. However, insurance pricing has deteriorated significantly since 2019.
Dr. Haddad underlined the unacceptable situation and the necessity for insurance companies to follow the pricing set by the National Social Security Fund as a mandatory minimum. Failure to adjust contracts accordingly within a month could lead laboratories to reconsider their collaborations with these companies.
Minister Dr. Ezzeddine emphasized unity among workers in this vital sector for accurate medical outcomes. The head of the Pharmacists Syndicate expressed support, recognizing the labs' role in accurate diagnosis.
Representatives acknowledged the injustices faced by some lab owners, endorsing ongoing meetings to resolve these issues.
Decisions
The gathered parties issued decisions emphasizing protecting the laboratory sector and preserving service quality. Supported by the Ministries of Health and Economy and the Medical and Pharmacists Syndicates, they decided on:
- Insurance companies must adhere to the National Social Security Fund's pricing as the minimum for lab services, ensuring contract compliance with these standards.
- Laboratories should not bear additional burdens from companies without express mutual legal agreement.
- Contracts should be reviewed and corrected within a month, with enforced adherence to the new pricing standards.
The Syndicate reaffirms these measures aim to protect the sector, ensure high service quality, and safeguard both patient and laboratory rights.