Reducing health coverage for Syrian refugees in Lebanon by half

ARK News… The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees informed the Lebanese Ministry of Health of reducing health care coverage provided to refugees, especially Syrians, in Lebanon, by half.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had informed it of the decision to reduce the health care coverage it had previously provided to refugees in Lebanon, especially Syrian refugees registered on its lists, by half. The ministry explained that a delegation from the Commission, headed by its representative in Lebanon, Ivo Friesen, informed the caretaker Minister of Health, Firas al-Abyadg, of the decision.

Al-Abyadg expressed his regret for this decision, which “comes at a difficult time, given the delicate financial stage that Lebanon is going through, which will reflect negatively on the possibility of Syrian refugees obtaining services, and consequently on health indicators.”

The Lebanese Minister stressed "the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities and implement its promises and relevant international agreements," noting "the priority of finding a radical solution to the refugee crisis by ensuring their dignified return to their country."

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the UNHCR attributed the reduction in health care coverage to the radical decrease in the budget, resulting from crises around the world.

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