Primary Healthcare System in Crisis

“With no income, I could no longer afford private healthcare or health insurance, so I turned to the nearest healthcare centre. This is the only place I can still access healthcare services and medications” says Sabriye.

Lebanon's primary healthcare system has been in a state of deterioration, pressured by multiple challenges that have significantly impacted the availability and affordability of essential healthcare services for the population. This crisis has been compounded the country's ongoing economic and political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, the cholera outbreak, medication shortages, and rising medical fees.

One of the primary concerns is the lack of awareness and trust in public healthcare services among the population. Many individuals are unaware of the available services or carry misconceptions about their accessibility and affordability.  

The current crisis has had a particular impact on the management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) within the country. The rising cost of treatment, the expenses associated with importing medicines and medical supplies, and the shortages of vital medications have posed significant barriers to effective healthcare delivery. According to Dr. Marie, Medair’s Medical Project Manager, “screening and treating NCD cases in the early stages is crucial. Effective treatment relies on early detection and the availability/ access to NCD medications. Early-stage screening and consistent treatment can significantly lower mortality and morbidity rate. However, barriers such as medication costs, lack of health insurance coverage, and medication scarcity are often the key catalysts to worsened health conditions. We continue to witness a surge in expenses for patients seeking treatment and medical consultations. Additionally, the Health Sector reported that 30 to 40% of chronic medication are out of stock or with minimal stock remaining within the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Primary healthcare network.”

Lebanon’s economic crisis has further exacerbated the situation, with patients facing increasing costs for medical consultations and treatment. A recent study on strengthening healthcare in Lebanon highlights the common concern among both males and females regarding the affordability of preventive healthcare services, particularly in the face of the ongoing economic challenges.

The story of Sabriye, a 52-year-old Lebanese community member, illustrates the critical role that the supported healthcare centres play in the lives of those grappling with NCDs. Sabriye, who could no longer afford private healthcare or health insurance after her husband's passing, has found essential medical care at the centre, where she can access affordable consultations and medications to manage her health condition.  

“This is my fourth visit to the healthcare centre. Today, I am here for a doctor’s consultation. The doctor here has been instrumental in managing my health. I’ve been following up closely with him for my condition. After my husband passed away, life became challenging and there was no way to improve my situation. With no income, I could no longer afford private healthcare or health insurance, so I turned to the nearest healthcare centre. This is the only place I can still access healthcare services and medications.”

In response to these dire circumstances, the Medair supported primary healthcare centres aim to address the lack of access to healthcare services by providing comprehensive packages that include free consultations, medications, and selected diagnostic tests to Syrian refugees, vulnerable Lebanese individuals, and other nationalities in the area.

In conclusion, the deterioration of Lebanon's primary healthcare system has had a devastating impact on the

well-being of the country's population, particularly those suffering from NCDs. Primary health care centres offer a glimpse of hope, providing much-needed access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services for the most vulnerable members of the community.  

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

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.