Lebanon's health care system has been severely impacted by the recent Israel-Hezbollah war, with supplies of medicines running critically low and clinics struggling to provide essential care. According to Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project Hope, a global health and humanitarian organization, the priority now is to replenish stocks of medicines, reestablish clinics, and ensure emergency care is readily available.
Torbay recently visited Lebanon and met with mayors of towns along the southern border, where residents expressed urgent concerns about the lack of medications for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. The plea from the community was for immediate assistance in sending medicines, setting up mobile clinics, and restarting intensive care units to address medical emergencies.
Lebanon's health care system has been under strain even before the conflict due to an ongoing economic collapse, resulting in a shortage of essential medicines. The impact of the war further exacerbated the situation, with supplies to border areas completely cut off and health care facilities frequently targeted in attacks.
Torbay highlighted the dire conditions faced by health care facilities, with many forced to suspend services or operate at reduced capacity due to lack of fuel, damaged infrastructure, and staff fleeing for safety. The influx of approximately 1 million displaced people from the south to northern and central regions added immense pressure on existing health facilities, leading to overcrowding, overworked staff, and insufficient medical supplies.
Public clinics that were originally equipped to handle a limited number of patients found themselves overwhelmed, seeing a significant increase in patient numbers without adequate medication or resources. The situation in safer areas where displaced individuals sought refuge was particularly challenging, with clinics running out of basic medications and struggling to maintain essential services.
The aftermath of the conflict has left Lebanon's health care system in a critical state, requiring immediate intervention to address the urgent medical needs of the population. Efforts to restock medicines, restore clinics, and support health care facilities are crucial to ensure that essential health services are accessible to those in need.
