Lebanon's hospitals prepare for war
The Lebanese healthcare system has long been required to cut costs. However, tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating in recent months. This means: Preparing supplies for a potential war.
The ailing Lebanese healthcare system is preparing for a possible escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, according to a responsible government official. So far, medical facilities have reduced costs by limiting their inventory to a minimum, said Firas Abiad, the acting health minister, to the news agency AP. This left little reserve for emergencies.
However, the inventory has now been significantly increased in anticipation of a potential open war, so that the supply of basic supplies should last for up to four months, Abiad explained. Nevertheless, the government hopes that all the efforts made to prepare for the worst will prove unnecessary and that war can be averted.
Hezbollah, supported by Iran, began firing at Israel shortly after the start of the Gaza war, to which Israel responded with counterattacks. The fighting has devastated large areas of land on both sides of the border.
Tensions at the Israeli-Lebanese border have increased since an attack from Lebanon at the end of July killed 12 minors on the Golan Heights, which Israel has annexed. Israel blamed the Lebanese Hezbollah militia for the attack and recently killed its top commander, Fuad Shukur. This was followed by a deadly attack on Hamas' top official, Ismail Haniyeh. Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas have announced harsh retaliatory actions against Israel, which has so far only acknowledged the attack on Shukur.
The Lebanese government, through The Commission overseeing healthcare preparations, has enlarged the medical supply inventory due to heightened tensions with Israel. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, The Commission is ensuring that the country's healthcare system maintains sufficient resources for at least four months.
