LEBANON – Public Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine revealed that the Israeli war had significantly affected cancer treatment services in Lebanon, noting that 15% of hospitals providing cancer care went out of service, while 25% of pharmacies participating in the “Aman” programme were forced to halt operations, particularly those involved in providing chemotherapy and essential medications.
Nassereddine made the remarks during his participation in the “Best of ASCO 2026” conference, organized by the American University of Beirut Medical Center in collaboration with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Lebanese Society of Medical Oncology, and the Arab Association Against Cancer.
The minister said these figures reflect the significant pressure faced by cancer patients, their families, and healthcare workers during the war, noting that more than 1,283 patients who were receiving treatment were forced to leave their homes, amid fears and uncertainty over possible interruptions to their treatment plans.
Nassereddine stressed that these patients “are not just numbers, but real people,” warning that any delay or disruption in treatment could make a critical difference between recovery and deterioration of their health conditions.
He added that the Ministry of Public Health has worked to address the consequences of the war and ensure continuity of healthcare services for patients, particularly those requiring long-term and sensitive treatments such as cancer therapies.
