The Syndicate of Drug Importers and Warehouse Owners in Lebanon issued a clarifying statement regarding the state of medication, which stated: "In reference to what is being circulated in some media about certain importers halting the delivery of medicines to pharmacies due to the significant difference between the exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market and the exchange rate adopted by the Ministry of Public Health, the Syndicate of Drug Importers and Warehouse Owners in Lebanon clarifies the following:
Firstly, this issue does not pertain to drugs that are still fully or partially subsidized, such as cancer and chronic disease medications. It is known that fluctuations in the exchange rate do not affect these drugs, which are still sold at the rate of 1,500 L.L. per US dollar. Moreover, the Central Bank of Lebanon provides foreign currency at the rate of 1,500 L.L. Therefore, the challenge in the availability of these drugs lies in securing the budget for their support and opening the required credits.
Additionally, regarding the drugs that have been completely removed from subsidy, it is known that there are many local and imported alternatives available in the market, which have been priced at 26,000 L.L. since April 27 to date, while the exchange rate in the parallel market has exceeded 26,000 L.L. per US dollar during this entire period. It is worth mentioning that both pharmacists and importers have been absorbing this difference during this phase until the exchange rate for the US dollar surged abruptly and uncontrollably after the parliamentary elections, surpassing the 30,000 threshold and approaching 32,000. Many pharmacists and importers are no longer able to bear this vast difference.
It is also known that the Sayrafa platform does not meet the needs for drug imports, forcing importers to resort to the parallel market and currency exchangers. The Syndicate, while putting all its capabilities at the disposal of officials to find solutions and secure patients' needs, would like to commend the diligent efforts of the Minister of Public Health and his staff who are striving to find solutions in the public interest. The Syndicate also hopes that pharmacists and requests importers to assist Lebanese patients in securing their needs until the Ministry of Public Health takes the necessary measures to rectify this matter.
In conclusion, the Syndicate of Drug Importers and Warehouse Owners in Lebanon welcomes the proposal put forth by the Syndicate of Pharmacists to issue a weekly price index. The Syndicate considers this to be the final solution that can ensure continuity and provide the Lebanese market with unsupported medications without interruption."
