Lebanon’s Ministry of Health is focused on creating plans to delay hospitals from reaching full capacity, especially in heavily bombarded areas in the country’s south and Bekaa regions.
Following last week’s explosion of Hezbollah’s communications devices, which resulted in thousands of casualties, and a new wave of airstrikes that began Monday, Lebanon’s healthcare system is under severe strain.
This raises concerns about its ability to manage if the conflict continues and Israel persists with its extensive attacks, potentially resulting in even more casualties.
Capacity Under Strain
Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad told Asharq Al-Awsat that the ministry is implementing a plan to evacuate hospitals nearing full capacity.
“We send ambulances to move patients whenever we sense a hospital is close to its limit,” he said.
“However, this becomes difficult in critical situations, especially after several paramedics were attacked and three hospitals in the south were damaged.”
Abiad explained that the plan allows hospitals to function as one large unit, sharing responsibilities and resources.
It also includes expanding capacity by increasing the number of nurses, doctors, and specialists, as well as opening new wards with support from international organizations.
“The situation is difficult, and capacity is decreasing daily,” he added.
“We are concerned about the ongoing Israeli attacks and their potential impact,” Abiad noted.
