A new wave of drug shortages is once again making headlines in Lebanon, reviving one of the most sensitive and closely watched issues among Lebanese citizens in recent years. While the country has long battled with the scourge of counterfeit and smuggled medications, the timing of the current shortage has raised eyebrows, with some observers questioning the motives behind reviving the debate now.

Speaking to Kataeb.org, Dr. Joe Salloum, President of the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists, warned that the latest shortages are anything but coincidental. He believes it may be a pretext to reintroduce smuggled and counterfeit drugs into the Lebanese market and to reintroduce low-quality pharmaceutical products under the guise of emergency need.

Salloum emphasized that the Order of Pharmacists had sounded the alarm on this issue three years ago, stressing that the current push, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, is a continuation of those earlier efforts to ensure that only high-quality, approved drugs are available on the Lebanese market.

As part of this campaign, Salloum revealed the imminent launch of a new tracking system that will allow patients to verify the authenticity of their medications, effectively turning them into active participants in the fight against threats to public health.

The Ministry of Health, Salloum added, has shown a serious commitment to combating counterfeit and smuggled drugs, and is working closely with the Order to fight the flow of illicit medications. He noted that Lebanon’s security and judicial institutions are also engaged in the effort.

“What’s needed now is tighter control at land borders, the airport, and the port, as well as stricter scrutiny of the quality of medicines coming into the country,” he said.

Regarding the Order’s role in addressing the crisis, Salloum explained that it is conducting regular inspections of pharmacies across the country and is working hand in hand with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, customs authorities, and the Health Ministry. He emphasized that these joint efforts are crucial to preserving the safety and quality of available medicine, and also to accelerating the long-awaited implementation of the National Drug Agency’s regulatory decrees.

Asked about recent developments in a high-profile drug smuggling case that was uncovered weeks ago, Salloum confirmed that the Order has taken legal action.

“We have filed a personal complaint in this case because it directly threatens patients’ health,” he said. “We are in full coordination with the judiciary and security forces, and we have complete confidence in the legal process to ensure accountability.”