Central Bank of Lebanon suspends medical coverage for Hezbollah-affiliated hospitals

The Central Bank of Lebanon has suspended all medical approvals and coverage for its employees and beneficiaries at Al-Rasoul Al-Aazam Hospital and the Lebanese Medical Center (LMC). These institutions are linked to the Martyr Foundation, which is affiliated with Hezbollah.

Central Bank sources described the move as a routine administrative and regulatory measure intended to ensure compliance with international sanctions and laws. Officials denied that the decision was politically motivated or a direct response to the hospitals being placed on US sanction lists. Instead, sources indicated the suspension may be linked to the hospitals' previous dealings with Bank Saderat Iran, a bank whose local license was revoked by the Central Bank of Lebanon last month following US Treasury sanctions.

Al-Rasoul Al-Aazam Hospital, located near Beirut airport, was established in 1988. The Lebanese Medical Center is a newer multi-specialty facility opened in February under the patronage of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. The suspension remains in effect until the institutions provide necessary documentation to confirm compliance with international regulations.