Primary health care system in crisis

Um Mohammad, a 54-year-old member of the Syrian community, stands at the site pharmacy to receive prescribed medication during his doctor’s consultation, at the Serraaine Primary Health Care Center, Baalbek – Hermel, Bekaa Valley, May 30, 2024. ©Medair/Abdul Dennaoui

“Without an income, I could no longer afford private healthcare or health insurance, so I turned to the nearest health centre. It is the only place where I can still access health services and medicines,” explains Sabriye.

Lebanon’s primary health care system has deteriorated, strained by multiple challenges that have significantly impacted the availability and cost of essential health services for the population. This crisis has been compounded by the country’s economic and political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, the cholera outbreak, medicine shortages, and rising medical costs.

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Marie, Medair Health Manager, prepares medicines in the pharmacy of Serraaine Primary Health Care Center, Baalbek – Hermel, Bekaa Valley, May 30, 2024. ©Medair/Abdul Dennaoui

A major concern is the lack of awareness and trust among the population in public health services. Many people are unaware of the services available or have misconceptions about their accessibility and cost.

The current crisis has also impacted the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. Rising treatment costs, expenditure on importing medicines and medical equipment, and shortages of essential medicines have posed significant challenges to effective healthcare. According to Dr Marie, Medair’s medical project manager,“It is essential to detect and treat cases of noncommunicable diseases at their early stages. Effective treatment depends on early detection and access to medicines for noncommunicable diseases. Early detection and consistent treatment can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates. However, barriers such as the cost of medicines, lack of health insurance coverage and scarcity of medicines are often the main catalysts for worsening health conditions. We continue to see an increase in expenses for patients seeking treatment and medical consultations. In addition, data from the Ministry of Public Health indicates that 10% of chronic medicines are out of stock and 20-30% are in stock for only 1-3 months.”

The economic crisis in Lebanon has further exacerbated the situation. A recent study highlights the common concern of men and women about the affordability of preventive health care services, especially in the face of current economic challenges.

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Sabriye, a 52-year-old member of the Lebanese community, at Serraaine Primary Health Care Center, Baalbek – Hermel, Bekaa Valley, June 11, 2024. ©Medair/Abdul Dennaoui

The story of Sabriye, a 52-year-old Lebanese woman, illustrates the essential role of the health centres supported by Medair.

“This is my fourth visit to the health centre. Today I am here for a consultation. The doctor there has played a decisive role in my health. After my husband passed away, life became difficult and I could no longer afford private healthcare or health insurance, so I turned to the nearest health centre. This is the only place where I can still access health services and medicines at affordable prices.”

Primary health care centers offer comprehensive packages including free consultations, medications and some diagnostics to Syrian refugees, vulnerable Lebanese and other nationalities in the region.

In conclusion, the deterioration of the primary health care system in Lebanon has had a devastating impact on the general health status of the population.

Primary health care centres, however, offer a glimmer of hope, as they provide access to comprehensive and affordable health services to the most vulnerable people in the community.

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Pharmacist providing community member with prescribed medications in the pharmacy of Serraaine Primary Health Center, Baalbek – Hermel, Bekaa Valley, May 30, 2024. ©Medair/Abdul Dennaoui

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Medair’s health services in Lebanon are funded by the German Foreign Office and generous private donors.

This content was produced using resources gathered by Medair staff in the field and at headquarters. The views expressed herein are those of Medair and should not be taken to reflect the official views of any other organization..

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