Remarks by the WHO Representative in Lebanon at WHO’s press briefing on Lebanon and Afghanistan
23 September 2021 – The current complex crisis has heavily impacted the health system in Lebanon, decreasing availability, affordability, accessibility and quality of health care in general, and threatening the sustainability and resilience of the health system.
Due to the severe financial and fuel crisis, most hospitals are currently operating at 50% capacity; only lifesaving hospital interventions are being prioritized. Primary health care centres are rationing fuel consumption by reducing opening hours, and more than 600 private pharmacies are temporarily closed.
It is estimated that around 15–17% out of 20 000 registered nurses have left the country over the past 12 months, while more than 1000 have been laid off. Around 40% of medical doctors (mainly specialists) have permanently emigrated or are working on a part-time basis outside of the country. It is estimated that the Ministry of Public Health will need to cover health care for at least 70% of the population (compared to 48% prior to the current crisis) as unemployment and poverty are rising. The Government's fiscal and financial situation has resulted in unpaid bills to both private and public health sectors, threatening the sustainability of health services, and increasing health financial hardship on vulnerable populations.
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Remarks by the WHO Representative in Lebanon at WHO’s press briefing on Lebanon and Afghanistan
WHO supports Lebanon to strengthen national medications and vaccines stock management
