Crisis of Medication and Milk... Pharmacies on the Brink of Closure!

Pharmacist Syndicate President Dr. Joe Saloum clarified in a call to those concerned that "the steady and rapid rise of the dollar has led to a near complete halt in the delivery of medications and milk to pharmacies, resulting in their gradual loss, not to mention the negative implications on the healthcare situation and the bankruptcies looming over all sectors of medication, particularly pharmacies, leading to potential closures." He stated, "There is no disagreement that citizens are unable to bear further burdens and price increases, and pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and drug manufacturers are also incapacitated from continuing. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is performing more than its duty in these difficult circumstances with tight resources and options, and the Syndicate of Pharmacists of Lebanon is sparing no effort in combating all forms of violations, smuggling, and manipulation of citizens' health." He concluded, "From this standpoint, I appeal as the Syndicate President of Lebanon, tasked with the safeguarding of the pharmaceutical sector and citizens' health, to politicians domestically and the international community to save the patient and the healthcare sector that is drawing its last breaths. The rescue begins with the election of a president for the country to secure at least a minimum of financial and economic stability, and to restore regular constitutional and legislative life so that matters can progress toward recovery and the implementation of plans, particularly in health. Otherwise, a guaranteed collapse and forced cessation of the entire pharmaceutical sector could occur within days."