Minister of Public Health, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, announced, in a statement on social media, that “the number of vaccinated people today in the Pfizer Marathon for teachers, students, and everyone who wants to take the vaccine has reached 30,582.”
Al-Abyad pointed out that “the Omicron wave that started three weeks ago in Lebanon is turning into a tsunami.”
He added, “The situation in hospitals and intensive care units is still stable, and work is being done to enhance the capacity. On the other hand, the shortage of medicines has recently worsened, especially for treating cancer patients, as well as the shortage of milk.” He asked: “Why? What next?”
Al-Abyad added, “The mechanism for importers to obtain prior approvals for support by the Banque du Liban has been developed and has become partially automated. However, the holidays, which witness the suspension of international companies from receiving import requests, imposed a delay in the arrival of shipments. But the wheel is now back in rotation. Next week, it will be Pharmacies deliver large quantities of milk, and medicines for cancer and chronic diseases are on their way to Lebanon soon. With the new mechanism, the shortage of medicines in the market may continue, but at a minimum.”
The Minister of Public Health affirmed that “all the ministry’s team is making unremitting efforts to secure the required needs of milk and medicines, regardless of the severe shortage of resources. But that is not an excuse, as the delay really bothers people, and it is better to work to improve the situation rather than talk a lot.”
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