National Social Security Fund suspends doctor and pharmacist over fraud

Lebanon’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has suspended the contracts of a doctor and a pharmacist for one month following investigations into fraudulent activities. The suspension, effective from September 1 to September 30, 2026, follows findings of significant irregularities.

Investigations by the NSSF’s administrative inspection directorate revealed that Dr. Romel Zand allowed unauthorized individuals to use his official stamp to process patient transactions without personal examination or knowledge of the patients. Additionally, pharmacist Thierry Farah was found to have stamped invoices for pharmaceutical purchases that were not actually completed.

NSSF Director General Mohammad Karki previously filed a criminal complaint before the Financial Public Prosecution in Beirut against the company IMCO SECS. Karki has instructed all NSSF offices and centers to prohibit the processing or payment of any transactions organized by the suspended doctor and pharmacist during the suspension period. The NSSF stated it will continue to tighten oversight to protect the funds of insured individuals.