Lebanon is facing a serious healthcare crisis as hospitals risk running out of life saving medical supplies within days, according to the World Health Organization. The warning comes after a sharp rise in casualties from recent Israeli airstrikes, which have overwhelmed the country’s already fragile healthcare system.
Dr Abdinasir Abubakar revealed that essential trauma kits, including bandages, antibiotics, and anaesthetics, are quickly running out. He warned that if another large scale emergency occurs, hospitals may not be able to respond effectively, leading to avoidable loss of lives.
The situation has worsened due to the intensity of recent attacks. In just one day, hospitals used up nearly three weeks worth of medical supplies, highlighting the severity of the crisis. Most of the injured are civilians, adding further pressure on emergency services and healthcare workers.
Beyond trauma care, the shortage is also affecting patients with chronic diseases. Vital medicines such as insulin could become unavailable in the coming weeks. Supply chains have been disrupted due to regional conflict and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, making it difficult to import essential medicines.
The cost of delivering medical supplies has also increased significantly, reportedly tripling in recent weeks, while funding remains limited. This combination of high demand, rising costs, and supply disruptions has pushed Lebanon’s healthcare system to the brink.
In response, the WHO and Lebanon’s Ministry of Health are working together to redistribute supplies between hospitals in an effort to prevent total shortages. However, officials warn that these are only temporary measures.
According to the United Nations, more than one million people have been displaced since the conflict escalated, further increasing the burden on healthcare facilities.
The crisis highlights the urgent need for international support, as Lebanon struggles to maintain basic medical services during an ongoing humanitarian emergency.
