Caretaker Minister of Public Health Firas Abiad reassured the public on Sunday that Lebanon has an adequate stock of medicine for at least four months.
Speaking with local channel LBCI, Abiad confirmed that “there is no shortage of medicines, and for each medication, there is an alternative available on the market.”
Abiad explained that about “90% of the medical aid arriving in Lebanon consists of essential drugs,” but he acknowledged that the aid “does not cover all of the country’s medical needs.”
To address these gaps, the ministry created a comprehensive list of required medicines, which has been shared with Lebanese embassies, consulates and foreign governments to seek additional support.
With approximately 240,000 displaced individuals currently living in shelters, the need for medicine is heightened, especially for acute illnesses like colds, gastritis and diarrhea, according to the minister.
“We are working to secure these essential medicines and increase readiness,” Abiad added.
He noted that among the displaced, around 45,000 people require medication for chronic conditions, mirroring Lebanon’s general population, where approximately 20% suffer from chronic illnesses.
“Medicines for chronic diseases are generally available,” he said, although he pointed out that “patients are often accustomed to specific brands, while the ministry’s care centers primarily offer generic alternatives.”
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