LEBANON – Questions about medicine availability have been on many minds lately, as citizens worry how the security situation might affect access to essential services. Recent surges in demand added to the uncertainty, leaving many wondering if pharmacies can keep up.
Yet, despite these concerns, Lebanon’s medicine supply remains steady. Regular shipments arriving through the port and airport have allowed pharmacies to meet patients’ needs without interruption, offering a sense of relief to those relying on essential treatments.
Medicine Market Remains Steady
In an exclusive interview with Enmaeya, Abdel Rahman Markabawi, head of the Pharmacists’ Syndicate, reassured citizens that Lebanon’s medicine supply remains stable. He emphasized that the market continues to function normally as long as the port and airport are operating.
While some areas experienced delays and weaker deliveries in the past due to security risks, these issues have been resolved this week, and medicines are now reaching pharmacies regularly.
He explained that the meeting attended by the Minister of Health and the syndicates of pharmacists and importers aimed to assess the situation on the ground and ensure that medicines continue reaching patients.
He noted that during the first stage of the crisis, there was a large surge in demand for medicine, driven by concern over potential shortages.
To ensure steady availability, the syndicate distributed medicine supplies to pharmacies in monthly allocations, allowing each pharmacy to meet patients’ needs for one month at a time.
The initial surge in demand put pressure on distributors, leading to some delays in orders. To address this, the syndicate and distributors established a joint mechanism to ensure timely delivery. Today, deliveries have returned to a normal pace, and pharmacy stocks are stable, with only occasional shortages of one or two medicines, which is typical even under normal circumstances.
Monitoring Shortages
Markabawi acknowledged that some medicines may occasionally be unavailable but emphasized that authorities monitor the situation closely. Working in coordination with the Importers’ Syndicate, they ensure any shortages are addressed promptly so medicines reach patients without unnecessary delay.
He added that the strategic stock of imported medicines in Lebanon can last three to four months if the port or airport closes, while locally produced medicines are sufficient for three to four months and ready for delivery. Raw materials are also enough for an additional three months, keeping the country in a safe position.
Markabawi also noted that there are alternative plans to secure medicines in case of port or airport closures, as happened in 2006, and he expects no medicine crisis to occur.
Medicine Prices Are Stable
Regarding medicine prices, the head of the pharmacists’ syndicate stressed that there is no risk of price increases, noting that the topic has not been discussed and there is no reason for any rise in prices.
Overall, Lebanon’s situation is reassuring regarding medicine stocks and the ability of pharmacies to meet patients’ needs even under current circumstances.
For citizens, the takeaway is reassuring: medicines are accessible, prices are steady, and the system is working smoothly to ensure everyone can get the care they need.
