The Head of Lebanon’s Order of Pharmacists, Dr. Joe Salloum, urged government authorities and health organizations to implement emergency measures to alleviate severe medicine shortages across the country, warning of escalating difficulties faced by pharmacists trying to secure essential drugs for patients.

“Patients are going from one pharmacy to another, often in vain, searching for medications that have become nearly unavailable in many areas,” Salloum said.

To highlight the extent of the crisis, Salloum indicated that he is currently compiling a list of missing or critically short medicines in Lebanon’s local market. He intends to submit the list to authorities to help them set priorities and implement urgent steps aimed at ensuring a swift and effective resupply of essential medications.

Salloum stressed the need for a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Health, importers, and local manufacturers to address the shortage. He called for sustainable solutions to the ongoing crisis, which is exacerbating the challenges faced by citizens already burdened by Lebanon’s severe economic difficulties.