Lebanon Health Minister outlines path to universal health coverage

Lebanese Public Health Minister Dr. Rakan Nassereddine has outlined plans to achieve universal health coverage in Lebanon, stating that the goal is achievable with an estimated annual cost of approximately $1 billion. To fund this initiative, a parliamentary health committee has proposed imposing taxes on products harmful to health, such as alcohol, tobacco, and sweetened beverages.

Nassereddine reported that government hospitals have begun generating profits and that the Ministry has successfully restored trust with healthcare providers by accelerating the payment of outstanding dues to both public and private hospitals.

Regarding healthcare spending, the Minister noted that expenditure on hospitalization has risen from $38 million in 2024 to over $150 million this year, with projections to exceed $250 million in the upcoming budget. The Ministry is also expanding the scope of covered medical procedures to include kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, and glaucoma treatment, with plans to add cochlear implants, scoliosis correction, and heart batteries to the coverage list.