Palestinian Insurance Federation: We Do Not Evade Our Obligations and Call on the Pharmacists’ Association to Act Realistically
The Chairman of the Palestinian Insurance Federation, Anwar Al-Shanati, affirmed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, that delays by some insurance companies in settling their financial obligations to a number of pharmacies are due to the “exceptional financial conditions” facing the country. He stressed, at the same time, that the companies fully acknowledge the pharmacists’ financial rights and have no intention of evading them.
In an interview with Alam Radio, Al-Shanati outlined the dimensions of the ongoing dispute with the Pharmacists’ Association, noting the presence of administrative and financial complexities imposed by the Association’s demands, in addition to what he described as a “departure from the agreed understandings.”
Regarding the liquidity crisis, Al-Shanati called on the Pharmacists’ Association to act realistically in light of the overall economic conditions, affirming that all financial claims are recognized and officially acknowledged rights, despite some delays in payment.
He also pointed out that the Association’s push to obligate insurance companies to contract with all pharmacies in Palestine - numbering approximately 1,200-creates a significant administrative and financial burden, directly increasing pressure on companies and delaying the payment cycle of obligations.
Al-Shanati criticized the Association’s recent stance, describing it as a breach of the agreement reached about a month ago under the auspices of the Palestinian Capital Market Authority. He explained that the agreement stipulated referring any shortcomings or violations by insurance companies back to the Authority, rather than resorting to escalation through media statements.
He added: “We do not evade our obligations, but we need realism in dealing with the administrative capacity of companies, and adherence to official channels for dispute resolution, away from statements that harm companies and further complicate the situation.”
