Minister of Health, Dr. Firas Abiad, is currently in Geneva for the General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the assembly, Dr. Abiad called on the International Society to take up some of the heavy burdens off Lebanon.
In his statement, he brought up the Syrian immigrants and how Lebanon had tried to merge them into the system despite the many issues with the health sector.
He spoke for the countries of the region too and expressed that the health sector is in decline because of the many wars they are facing.
Hospitals in Lebanon have been barely enduring the socio-economic crisis for over 2 years. Their hardships have further exacerbated in the past 4 months under the crippling policies of the banks, and the severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies.
They are now initiating a general strike of 2 days this week during which a complete cessation of work will take place, on Thursday and Friday, in clinics, health centers, and hospitals, except for emergency cases.
The call was launched by the syndicates of doctors in Beirut and the North and the syndicate of Private Hospital Owners as their demands for the government to address the critical issues have remained unheeded.
In the south, the employees of Bint Jbeil Governmental Hospital have also announced a strike, an open one, refraining from receiving patients, except for emergency cases and dialysis.
Related: Hospitals In Lebanon Just Declared A 2-day General Strike.
