The spread of cholera in Lebanon is expanding alongside increasing anxiety among citizens about the risk of infection, given the deterioration of their living conditions and declining levels of healthcare services. Is it now necessary for officials to take more serious steps to address this new health crisis? The MTV website contacted the head of the private hospitals association, Sleiman Haroun, who confirmed that "hospitals are ready to receive patients infected with cholera." However, he considered it "preferable, in the event of an increase in cases, to designate field hospitals for cholera to isolate the infected, but even if this is not possible, we can isolate patients in specialized departments while ensuring appropriate treatment for them and ensuring the safety of medical teams through strict safety measures."
In response to a question about the possibility of declaring a health emergency if the health situation worsens, Haroun said, "Without getting into labels, it may be premature to talk about declaring a health emergency, but it is necessary to declare readiness to receive patients if there is an increase in their numbers." He emphasized that "addressing cholera requires the concerted efforts of concerned parties and ministries, and repairing the water infrastructure while ensuring the cleanliness of water channels. This is something that requires years of work, and it is crucial to start addressing the causes of cholera's spread now." In conclusion, Haroun stated that private hospitals are at the disposal of the Ministry of Health "to contain this new health crisis."
