Addressing the issue of the current drug shortage, outgoing health minister Hamad Hassan accused the Banque du Liban and importing companies of being the cause.
He indicates that Lebanon should have from tomorrow a mechanism providing for the quantities of drugs to be available on the market from this Friday. This mechanism should eventually allow the Banque du Liban to finance the purchase of drugs to the tune of $ 100 million in accordance with an agreement signed by the Ministry of Health, the Banque du Liban and importing companies.
Also, 50% of the drugs currently requested are already in Lebanon itself. However, importers need a financial commitment from the Central Bank before their delivery.
Lastly, the Lebanese authorities are asking the security services to put an end to the various trafficking, smuggling and illegal storage leading to shortages.
