A force from the judicial police, assigned by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, along with the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Hassan from the caretaker government, raided a warehouse in the Hamra area after receiving complaints about the sale of medical supplies and equipment at market exchange rates.
The National News Agency clarified this evening that Minister Hassan, given that the Ministry of Public Health holds the oversight authority to grant permits for the importation of all medical supplies, devices, and equipment, decided to form two committees: the first for inspecting warehouses of medical supplies and equipment, and the second for establishing a pricing mechanism. This will determine the level of discrepancies that result in numerous reviews and complaints, whether concerning the companies, warehouses, hospitals, or certain brokers. Based on the report from the two committees, Minister Hassan conducted a documentary and inspection audit of the location, marking a first of its kind initiative, as medical supplies warehouses had previously been outside inspection parameters, with those responsible believing they were not subject to the law governing pharmacy practice.
Minister Hassan confirmed that the raids and inspections would continue to regulate this sector, noting that price lists are available at the Central Bank of Lebanon, and the case is open before the Financial Public Prosecutor to take appropriate actions. Following the raid, Minister Hassan stated that “patients are being charged on the basis that medical supplies are not subsidized, while it has been confirmed by the Central Bank that the opposite is true.” He remarked: “These opportunistic practices must be monitored with the support of the Financial Public Prosecutor under the charge of Judge Ali Ibrahim, as all invoices obtained from the Central Bank confirm that the supplies and equipment are covered by ninety percent funding.”
The minister pointed out that some companies no longer inquire about delays in payment from the Central Bank because, within three months, they sell the equipment and supplies based on market rates, and while we track these matters, time has already passed. He emphasized that there would not just be accusations but also a reconciliation of invoices issued by the Central Bank with the pharmaceutical inspection that records the sales. Based on what is charged, the necessary requirements will be determined. Minister Hassan regarded patients as wronged, stating that sweet talk from lower parties does not solve the issues.
