Lebanon health crisis looms with drug stocks under threat

Lebanon health crisis looms with drug stocks under threat

The pivotal meeting follows a warning by Lebanon's central bank that with reserves running low, it will be unable to subsidize essential goods, such as medicines, flour and fuel, beyond early 2021.Concerns are mounting among Lebanese that the cost of drugs will soar amid a sharp devaluation in the local currency.Health officials say a shortage in medicines has been worsened by panic buying and hoarding prompted by the central bank warning.Araji said that the removal of subsidies on medicine will leave health institutions at risk of collapse."We will be facing a great disaster if the subsidy on essential medicines is removed. Our situation is very sad, and we are heading toward a major crisis,“ he said.The World Bank's hard-line stance is part of growing international pressure on the Lebanese political leadership to form a government capable of implementing urgently needed reforms.On Saturday the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis tweeted a reminder to the country's leaders "of the need for reforms that will restore the confidence of the Lebanese and international communities.“Authorities warn that with no end in sight to the political deadlock, Lebanon is sliding toward economic, financial and social disaster.MP Mohammed Al-Hajjar, from the Future bloc, told