Khaberni - The committee on Labor, Social Development, and Population, chaired by Representative Andre Hawari, continued the national dialogue sessions it initiated to discuss the draft amendment of the Social Security Law for 2026, having held a meeting with the Jordan Pharmacists Syndicate in the presence of the Syndicate's chief Zaid Kilani and members of the syndicate's council.
Hawari affirmed that the committee is keen to carefully study all comments and suggestions presented by relevant bodies, in preparation for developing a comprehensive vision regarding the draft’s articles and to improve the quality of its texts to achieve a balance between social protection and the sustainability of the insurance system.
He stated that the Pharmacists Syndicate is one of the established professional unions in Jordan, playing a significant role in protecting community health and enhancing the healthcare system. He pointed out that the pharmaceutical sector in Jordan not only provided pharmaceutical services but was also a fundamental partner in developing the healthcare sector, supporting scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry, and contributing to solidifying Jordan's medical stature regionally.
Hawari explained that the House of Representatives regards the Pharmacists Syndicate as a national expertise house carrying significant professional and scientific experience, reflecting the aspirations of a broad segment of Jordanian talents who serve the citizens daily and protect their health, affirming that the syndicate's participation in the national dialogue about the Social Security Law represents a valuable addition that contributes to reaching more balanced and realistic decisions which enhance the sustainability of national systems and serve the interest of both society and professionals alike.
Meanwhile, the attending representatives emphasized the importance of professional unions in enriching the dialogue about the draft law, stressing that listening to the opinions of specialists and stakeholders contributes to enhancing the quality of legislation and reflects the parliamentary work approach based on partnership with various community components.
They also highlighted the importance of continuing the dialogue with different professional and economic sectors, and benefiting from specialized expertise in developing legislation with economic and social impact.
For his part, Kilani expressed his confidence in the House of Representatives and the role played by the committee on Labor, Social Development, and Population in managing the national dialogue about the draft law, praising the committee's collaborative approach by being open to various sectors and listening to their views and observations, which contributes to achieving balanced legislation that serves national interests.
Kilani also reiterated that the syndicate supports the sustainability of the social security fund as a national fund that represents a protection umbrella for participants, stressing at the same time the importance of achieving social justice in any proposed legislative amendments.
Kilani noted that professional unions represent a wide slice of the community, pointing out that the Pharmacists Syndicate includes about 35,000 members, who are among the most supportive groups of the social security fund, which reflects the importance of involving professional unions in the dialogue about the future of the social security system.
He mentioned that the draft law required sufficient time for study and discussion, given its significance and direct impact on a wide range of participants and employers.
Kilani added that the essence of pension funds is to encourage people to join them, emphasizing the importance of maintaining voluntary participants and bolstering confidence in the social security system.
He emphasized that reforming the social security system requires adopting gradual and well-thought-out solutions that encourage individuals to join the social security system and expand the coverage umbrella, stressing the importance of creating incentive measures in this context to enhance confidence in the insurance system and support its sustainability over the long term.
During the meeting, the syndicate presented a set of observations related to the institutional governance and management of the Social Security Corporation, emphasizing the need to reconsider some articles related to these aspects to enhance management efficiency and instill principles of transparency and accountability.
The syndicate also focused significantly on the early retirement file, explaining that the majority of the general body of the syndicate demands that the early retirement and vested rights of participants not be compromised, and to look for alternative solutions that achieve financial sustainability without harming these rights.
Meanwhile, the appointed technical experts to the committee, Musa Al-Subeihi, Saleh Al-Saadi, and Idris Khamsh, presented their opinions and technical observations on several articles discussed during the meeting, providing clarifications based on their insurance and legislative expertise, which contribute to clarifying the different dimensions of the proposed suggestions.
