Baabda: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, met on Thursday afternoon at Baabda Palace with MP Bilal Abdallah, head of Parliament's Health Committee, to review national developments and ongoing legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Lebanon's healthcare and social protection systems.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, following the meeting, MP Abdallah conveyed the greetings of Progressive Socialist Party leader Teymour Jumblatt, affirming the party's support for the president's efforts to safeguard national unity. Discussions focused on the mandatory health coverage proposal (the 'health card') currently under review in Parliament - a reform Abdallah described as 'a vital and structural solution to the Lebanese people's suffering amid the collapse of hospital and drug coverage.'
He also briefed the president on progress toward implementing the retirement and social protection system, noting that the first decree is nearly finalized, with hopes of full implementation within one to two years.
Abdallah further outlined upcoming legislative initiatives, including the Home Care Law, which aims to cover patients completing treatment at home to reduce hospital burdens, and the Daycare Regulation Law, designed to organize childcare institutions and encourage women's participation in the workforce.
The president expressed full understanding and support for these social and health priorities, emphasizing the need to maintain focus on social, health, and educational security amid the country's political complexities.
Separately, President Aoun met with Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodr, who briefed him on the governorate's conditions, residents' needs, and ongoing and planned projects to improve living standards in the region.