HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN LEBANON: A REVIEW ADDRESSING HEALTH INEQUALITIES AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS OF FRONTLINE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Lebanon is facing many problems that can cause several long-term threats to the overall public health such as an increasing poverty rate, and an economic crisis induced by the devaluation of the Lebanese currency. The healthcare system is affected in terms of quality and availability of services in addition due to the pandemic, a lot of public health campaigns were paused. Consequently, Lebanon is losing its frontline healthcare workers coupled with the fact that the government budget for healthcare has dwindled. This report addresses the evolution of some health indicators in Lebanon throughout the years and presents the rights and ethical considerations and dilemmas faced by the frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings of this report showed that the average life expectancy at birth was almost 80 years for both sexes in 2020. The infant mortality rate has positively been reduced to 9.2 cases per 1000 live births and despite its position compared to some Arab countries mostly adjoining Lebanon, this rate in 2019 is considered three times higher compared to some European countries. A decrease in the food and waterborne diseases rate in Lebanon was noted, however, a higher rate is presented in Bekaa. A sustainable health system is required in Lebanon focusing on people and based on public health evidence. Many ethical challenges are faced particularly in the degree of freedom and medical choices. Nevertheless, most notably the long-term impact of these measures will preserve the well-being of society.