BEIRUT, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's healthcare system is facing its most severe challenges since 2006, especially as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict intensifies, said Bilal Abdallah, chairman of Lebanese parliament's Public Health, Labor, and Social Affairs Committee.
In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua in the Chouf District of southern Lebanon, Abdallah emphasized that hospitals, doctors, and nurses are struggling to care for the injured and displaced. "Despite the overwhelming challenges, our medical staff is doing their best to assist people," he said.
As the conflict intensifies, Lebanon's healthcare needs have surged, particularly for acute illnesses and cancer patients, according to Abdallah.
"Although we face shortages of medicines and supplies, we are still managing to provide treatment to cancer patients, transferring their files to public hospitals in other regions," he noted.
Regarding the protection of healthcare workers, Abdallah highlighted the danger posed by Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, which have targeted medical facilities and aid workers.
He noted that the Lebanese government has raised concerns with international bodies to ensure the safety of medical staff. "We have done a lot to call on the international community, but the situation continues to worsen," he said.
He further emphasized that while Lebanon's healthcare system is working hard to provide quality care, it continues to be under immense strain due to a lack of adequate funding and international aid.
On the long-term impact of the conflict on Lebanon's healthcare infrastructure, Abdallah expressed concern that while efforts are ongoing to provide care through both public and private hospitals, the financial strain may hinder continued efforts.
"We have received recommendations to improve healthcare coverage, especially for emergency and urgent services, but everything requires funding," he said.
Abdallah also acknowledged the support from China, which donated a batch of medical supplies to Lebanon last month. "We are very thankful for China's swift and continuous assistance. China has always been a friend to Lebanon, and we hope this cooperation will continue," he said.
Looking ahead, Abdallah stressed that Lebanon's healthcare system will need to prepare for the worst, given the unpredictability of the situation. "Unfortunately, we must always be prepared for the worst-case scenario, but we hope that this will not be the reality," he added.
Abdallah also called on the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to take more decisive action. "We require support from the international community to create a balance and address the ongoing crisis," he concluded.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has levelled up its airstrikes on Lebanon in an escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. In early October, Israel initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon.
According to statistics released by the Lebanese Health Ministry on Oct. 15, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October last year had reached 3,445, with injuries up to 14,599. ■
