Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) - In a country grappling with a fragile healthcare system, Lebanon has launched a pilot project that could mark a turning point in how patient data is managed: "smart health cards."
The initiative, currently being tested in select public clinics in Beirut, aims to digitize medical records, track medications, and schedule appointments more efficiently. But while the digital leap offers significant potential, experts warn of hurdles that could limit its success especially among low-income and digitally marginalized populations.
Launched in early 2025 by Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), with technical support from the World Bank and the European Union, the "smart health card" initiative is part of a broader digital health transformation strategy.
The program aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the OECD to streamline healthcare data and improve system resilience in fragile states.
Each smart health card is linked to a digital identity and includes a chip that stores the patient’s demographic information, medical history, allergies, prescriptions, vaccination status, and appointment logs. Patients can present the card at participating health centers, allowing healthcare providers to quickly access up-to-date records and avoid duplication or errors in care.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the pilot phase involves six public clinics across Beirut and Mount Lebanon and targets approximately 5,000 patients. Early findings, shared in a May 2025 stakeholder meeting, suggest improved appointment tracking and a 15% reduction in prescription-related errors within participating centers.
However, challenges remain. One key concern is data privacy and security. Lebanon currently lacks a robust data protection law aligned with international standards such as the EU’s GDPR.
In a 2024 position paper, SMEX (Social Media Exchange), a Lebanese digital rights NGO, warned that digital health initiatives could expose sensitive medical data to breaches or misuse without adequate legal safeguards.
Another barrier is accessibility. Many low-income and elderly patients do not possess smartphones or have limited digital literacy, raising concerns about equitable access to the benefits of the system.
"We must ensure this technology does not widen the healthcare gap," says Aya Kassem, a community health worker in Bourj Hammoud. "Some of our patients still rely on paper prescriptions and handwritten referrals. We cannot expect a seamless transition without real investment in digital inclusion."
Despite the concerns, Lebanon is not alone in pursuing digital health ID systems. Similar models have been implemented in Estonia, India, and Rwanda, with mixed results depending on infrastructure, governance, and public trust.
The Lebanese government hopes that the smart health cards will eventually be linked to national social protection systems and insurance schemes. However, the current rollout is modest and experimental. International donors are reportedly evaluating the pilot’s success to determine future funding.
