The Emergency Committee in the Lebanese Kataeb Party confirmed today that it is "awaiting the vaccination strategy against the coronavirus."
The committee urged health authorities to "provide not only general principles but also detailed mechanisms," calling for "expanded involvement of health academic institutions to implement, conduct, monitor, and evaluate this strategy." It warned the state against any attempts to smuggle or sell vaccines on the black market, as has occurred with previous vaccines and medications, and demanded comprehensive coverage for all complications arising from this vaccination strategy.
The committee noted that "the number of casualties remains high, with positive test rates exceeding 20 to 25%, over 4,000 daily infections, and deaths surpassing 50 daily, with a high rate compared to infection numbers." Meanwhile, dozens of patients are pleading for treatment beds in remote areas of Lebanon amidst record occupancy of 920 intensive care beds, or to find essential medical supplies that are critically needed in homes and health centers.
It called for "the state to consider the martyrs of the healthcare sector as martyrs of the nation, akin to the martyrs of the Lebanese army, and to provide financial compensation for their families." The committee urged "the Lebanese state to ensure comprehensive hospital and treatment coverage for doctors, nurses, and paramedics who are infected," rejecting "any attacks on healthcare staff at a time when doctors are dying to help others, while 98% of hospital beds are under pressure from patients."
The committee urged "the authorities to mobilize central and local medical and health capabilities and expedite the preparation of hospital beds and equipment in shelters," demanding "central and local authorities to contract with doctors and nurses to provide home medical treatment, and in healthcare centers affiliated with the Ministries of Health and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and the Lebanese Red Cross, so that patients receive good and prompt treatment at home and in recognized health centers."
The committee viewed the decision to lift preventive measures previously imposed on arrivals to Lebanon as premature, given the continued overcrowding in intensive care and pressure on hospitals, especially in light of the fourth degree of community spread of the virus according to the World Health Organization, and the rapid spread of the COVID variant among people and its rising percentage in laboratory tests.
Lebanon is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases that prompted the Lebanese government to extend the nationwide lockdown until the end of this month.
