Medicine Supply Stable in Lebanon… But Will Costs Rise?
3/27/2026 3:56:34 PM
The President of the Lebanese Pharmacists Association Abdulrahman Merkbawi confirmed in a statement that “there is no shortage of medicines in the country,” noting that “the stock of imported medicines is sufficient for three months, while local medicines cover about eight months thanks to increased production by national factories to meet demand.”
He explained that “the main challenge is delivering medicines to areas under attack, especially in the South, Western Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel, due to security concerns that have limited the movement of distribution companies,” and pointed out that “coordination with the Ministry of Health is ongoing to use warehouses in these areas and develop emergency plans to ensure safe supply.”
He highlighted that “there was significant pressure on pharmacies at the start of the war, leading to temporary shortages of some medicines and reduced distribution quantities, but this was addressed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, and supplies have returned to normal, with increases reflecting higher demand in displacement areas. A circular was also issued restricting the dispensing of medicines to one month per patient to prevent hoarding or stockpiling.”
He referred to “regular meetings with Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine, with participation from importers and factory owners, to monitor stock and address any issues, prioritizing the import of medicines that are unavailable locally.”
Merkbawi emphasized “there is no intention to raise medicine prices,” stressing that “any partial shortage is due to logistics and security, not pricing, especially since the airport and port remain operational.”
Regarding medicines for serious illnesses, he stated that “cancer medicines are secured through the Ministry of Health as a priority, with stock sufficient for three months,” noting that “the health sector remains resilient with support from medical staff and local factories.”
He concluded by confirming “an emergency plan is in place to ensure medicine stock ranging from three to six months in case the situation escalates, ensuring continuity of medicine availability across all regions.”
He explained that “the main challenge is delivering medicines to areas under attack, especially in the South, Western Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel, due to security concerns that have limited the movement of distribution companies,” and pointed out that “coordination with the Ministry of Health is ongoing to use warehouses in these areas and develop emergency plans to ensure safe supply.”
He highlighted that “there was significant pressure on pharmacies at the start of the war, leading to temporary shortages of some medicines and reduced distribution quantities, but this was addressed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, and supplies have returned to normal, with increases reflecting higher demand in displacement areas. A circular was also issued restricting the dispensing of medicines to one month per patient to prevent hoarding or stockpiling.”
He referred to “regular meetings with Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine, with participation from importers and factory owners, to monitor stock and address any issues, prioritizing the import of medicines that are unavailable locally.”
Merkbawi emphasized “there is no intention to raise medicine prices,” stressing that “any partial shortage is due to logistics and security, not pricing, especially since the airport and port remain operational.”
Regarding medicines for serious illnesses, he stated that “cancer medicines are secured through the Ministry of Health as a priority, with stock sufficient for three months,” noting that “the health sector remains resilient with support from medical staff and local factories.”
He concluded by confirming “an emergency plan is in place to ensure medicine stock ranging from three to six months in case the situation escalates, ensuring continuity of medicine availability across all regions.”