The economic crisis and lack of oversight have allowed the spread of illicit pharmacies and clinics across different regions in Lebanon.

While precise figures are unavailable, authorities acknowledge their existence and the significant risks they pose.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that any pharmacy that does not adhere to official pricing and changes the prices of medication will face legal consequences and severe penalties.

Pharmacists' Syndicate Head, Joe Salloum, emphasized that their authority is limited to legitimate pharmacies, and the responsibility of monitoring illicit pharmacies and clinics falls under the Ministry of Health's jurisdiction.

"Nevertheless, we pledge as a syndicate to continue to inspect pharmacies periodically, and we have referred 30 to 35 pharmacies to the disciplinary council because they were selling illegal drugs or not complying with the official price of the medicines," he said.

With approximately 3,400 legitimate pharmacies versus an unknown number of illicit pharmacies and clinics, Salloum believes the battle must begin internally, where they have taken action against all non-compliant pharmacies and referred them to the disciplinary council.

However, the syndicate lacks authority over illicit clinics and pharmacies.