Joseph el-Helou, the Director of Medical Care at Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, condemned the recent assault on Dar Al-Chifae Hospital in Tripoli, stressing the importance of preserving medical facilities as places dedicated to care, not violence.

During an interview on LBCI's "Nharkom Said" TV program, el-Helou provided insights into the Ministry's medication procurement process for cancer and chronic diseases. He explained that medications priced below $200 are procured through a specific tender, while those exceeding this amount prompt Ministry intervention to ensure availability across all insurance funds via MediTrack.

Regarding the surge in cancer cases in Lebanon, el-Helou assured that medication funding is secured until the end of 2024, alleviating concerns about shortages for patients.

Despite Lebanon's challenging financial situation since 2019, exacerbated by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, el-Helou highlighted the resilience of the country's health infrastructure.

He stated, "Lebanon's healthcare capacity remains strong, and we are managing the situation well, providing care to patients across the country and facilitating transfers to Beirut when necessary."

However, he cautioned against the potential escalation of conflicts leading to hospital targeting, citing the situation in Gaza as a warning. He emphasized the importance of maintaining security to prevent such crises from occurring.