Towards a national pharmaceutical strategy in Lebanon: Ensuring access to quality and safe medications for all

Abstract

Introduction: Lebanon is facing challenges affecting the whole health sector, including access to medications. Lebanon has only proposed very few short-term national pharmaceutical strategic solutions. Previous reform attempts targeting the pharmaceutical sector, could not protect it from the crises and their detrimental consequences on patient and population health. Purpose: This document unveils the critical elements that should be addressed in the planned National Pharmaceutical Sector Strategy (NPS) being developed by the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon (OPL) in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. Method: Strategic goals were proposed for adoption and implementation by the competent authorities based on consultations, situational assessments, and gap analyses. The objectives and an implementation plan were developed based on the available resources and policy dialogue, respectively. Conclusion: The National Pharmaceutical Strategy would help the Lebanese authorities/policy-makers, aided by competent healthcare professionals, develop and implement a time-bound roadmap to attain a nation with access to quality and safe medications for the whole population. Implementing this strategy would require the commitment of decision-makers, the accountability of involved parties, innovation in finding solutions, close collaboration between stakeholders, and lengthy efforts to attain the stated vision.