LEBANON – With the ongoing security events and recent tensions in Lebanon, citizens are increasingly worried about the availability of medicines and the stability of prices.
However, official and field statements indicate that medicine security is still under control, and the stock will last for several more months.
In this context, Joseph Gharib, President of the Syndicate of Medicine Importers and Warehouse Owners in Lebanon, confirmed that the medicine stock in warehouses is very large and sufficient for several months, and that medicine prices will not be affected by rising fuel costs or the increase in value-added tax.
Gharib said in a statement regarding developments following Israeli attacks on Lebanon:
“Lebanese citizens can be fully confident that there is a very large stock of medicines in the warehouses of the Syndicate of Medicine Importers, enough for several months ahead.”
Medicine Prices Remain Stable Despite Crises
He added that extra efforts are being made with relevant authorities to clear medicine shipments from Beirut Port, ensuring the continuous availability of medicines in the market without interruption.
He also explained that medicine pricing follows a system set by the Ministry of Public Health, for both import prices and retail prices.
Therefore, any increase in fees or fuel costs does not directly affect official medicine prices, while import companies bear operational costs themselves to ensure market stability and protect patients.
Reality in Pharmacies: Stock Remains Relatively Stable
Similarly, a pharmacy in Beirut told Enmaeya website that the current stock is relatively stable, with some shortages that existed even before the war started.
A pharmacy worker explained that it is still too early to talk about a real shortage, and they have not reached that stage yet.
Regarding citizen demand, the pharmacy noted no major increase in chronic medicine purchases, and most customers came as usual, with only small crowds that do not resemble what usually happens in major crises.
Citizens can buy medicines according to their needs, and no purchase restrictions have been imposed so far.
What Happens If Shipments Stop or Crossings Are Blocked
Regarding the possibility of shipments stopping or main crossings being blocked, the worker said there is no complete solution to this problem, but local industries may help reduce potential shortages, despite some gaps in local production.
Official data also confirms that medicine security in Lebanon remains stable, and continuous monitoring of stocks and coordination with the Ministry of Health helps ensure the continuous availability of medicines in the market and protect both citizens and displaced people.
However, citizens are advised not to stockpile medicines excessively and to rely on their actual needs to avoid unnecessary pressure on pharmacies and ensure that medicines reach all patients on time.
