Government to Agree with UNHCR on Medical Assistance to Syrian Refugees
Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour revealed Saturday that Premier Najib Miqati ordered the Higher Relief Council to cover the medical assistance of several Syrian refugees in northern Lebanon despite the suspension of the aid.
In remarks to An Nahar daily, Abou Faour said Miqati issued a circular on Friday night asking the HRC to cover the hospital bills of urgent cases pending a meeting next week with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The minister also revealed that he ordered the HRC to cover the expenses of six cases registered on Friday.
The government suspended the medical assistance to the refugees pending negotiations with international agencies on supporting the cabinet in guaranteeing the source of funding.
A meeting will be held with UNHCR representatives next Wednesday to agree on a new cooperation mechanism, Abou Faour told An Nahar.
According to the agency, more than 26,900 Syrians are registered refugees in Lebanon, though activists say the actual number of displaced is much higher.
Scores of wounded Syrians -- most of them arriving from neighboring areas such as Homs -- have sought medical treatment in the relative safety of north Lebanon.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/46589 |