Rewritten Title: Social Security Organization Announces Major Support Measures for Retirees and Workers
Article:
In a significant address during a provincial visit to Ardabil, Adel Dehdashti, the Deputy of Iran’s Social Security Organization, outlined a series of strategic measures and achievements aimed at strengthening the nation’s social safety net. The announcements highlight the organization’s commitment to retirees, active workers, and employers amidst a complex economic landscape.
Strengthening Partnerships and Pensions
A central theme of Dehdashti’s remarks was the critical importance of systematic collaboration with social partners, including employers and worker syndicates. He praised conscientious employers as the driving force behind supportive schemes and successful pension adjustments.
“Employers, as genuine partners, play an effective role in the continuity of these services and the support of the workforce,” Dehdashti stated, expressing gratitude to those who diligently and promptly pay insurance premiums.
Despite financial constraints, the organization successfully implemented two stages of pension adjustments for retirees within the past year. This underscores a dedicated effort to safeguard the livelihoods of pensioners. The organization disburses over 90 Hezar Tomans monthly in pensions and benefits, in addition to unemployment insurance, and is obligated to pay 25 Hezar Tomans for medical and similar expenses.
Navigating Economic Challenges
The Deputy acknowledged the “unpredictable conditions” and international sanctions that have impacted the national economy, creating serious challenges for both the organization and employers. A significant debt of 140 Hezar Tomans from employers remains outstanding, which the organization hopes to collect this year.
In a move to enhance liquidity, the government has been persuaded to pay 70,000 Billion Tomans in bonds to the organization. “This payment will be made in the coming days,” Dehdashti confirmed, “allowing us to settle our debts to supplementary insurance, contracted university sectors, private sectors, and state hospitals.”
He highlighted the government’s unprecedented cooperation in recent years, with 130,000 Billion Tomans paid last year and 180 Hezar Tomans paid this year towards its debts.
Future-Focused Initiatives
Looking ahead, the Social Security Organization is pursuing a diverse portfolio of transformative programs. Key initiatives include:
- Loan Disbursement: The ongoing payment of 50-million-Toman loans to retirees, with 150,000 already distributed, will continue based on registrations until the end of the year.
- Regulatory Reform: Amendments to regulations concerning difficult, hazardous, and early retirement.
- Digital Transformation: A comprehensive shift towards digital services to improve efficiency and accessibility.
- Healthcare Expansion: Efforts to develop and facilitate access to quality medical services for the covered population through numerous contracted diagnostic and treatment centers.
Dehdashti’s visit to Ardabil included interactive meetings with worker and retiree associations, employers, and inspections of local Social Security branches and medical facilities, reinforcing the organization’s direct engagement with its constituents.