Aug, 2022
The older population in Lebanon has been disproportionately affected by recent crises
The ongoing financial crisis in Lebanon is reported to be one of the worst economic collapses since the nineteenth century. Since Lebanon has no functioning social welfare system, already vulnerable communities are particularly debilitated by the successive crises. Many have turned to local and international organizations for help.
Public health has been jeopardized by the country’s economic collapse. Medical bills are now unaffordable to many, and essential medications are unavailable. And rising operational costs have left hospitals scrambling to keep up.
Sister Mona Saad is the pharmacy administrator at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross in Lebanon. She says the situation has been difficult for the facility.
“The currency crisis further complicated our operations, since basic needs are so expensive these days. We can no longer afford to pay our employees in dollars, and with $1 amounting to 30,000 lira, our salaries are not sufficient to support families. So many employees are quitting. Most leave to work in foreign countries.”
The failing financial system has brought mass impoverishment, compromised public health, and led to widespread emigration and a brain drain. It has also led to a major decline in living standards, putting basic needs out of reach for many. These hardships have been particularly difficult for older Lebanese people.
Throughout the crisis, many older residents in Lebanon were left unattended and uncared for. This is a cause for particular concern given that Lebanon has the greatest proportion of residents aged 65 or older in the Middle East, at 10%. The United Nations’ International Labor Organization has estimated that 80% of Lebanese people 65 or older have no retirement benefits or healthcare coverage. As a result, older people in Lebanon have disproportionately suffered the impacts of the country’s economic and social collapse without government support.
As the economy has collapsed and the labor market has shrunk, many more young Lebanese are immigrating abroad for better living conditions and job opportunities, leaving their older relatives behind. Since many older Lebanese people rely on family support to survive, the exodus has left them to fend for themselves. Hospitals and psychiatric facilities are struggling to keep up to support these older groups.
Healthcare institutions are feeling the pinch, as they are forced to purchase mostly imported medicines with scarce dollars. Anera recently received an urgent request from the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, known by locals as Deir al-Salib, who requested support. Sister Mona Saad, a pharmacy administrator at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross says,
“The hospital was founded in the 1930s, and by the 50s started to operate as a psychiatric hospital. We have 1000 beds, with an almost 90% occupancy rate, mainly funded by the Ministry of Health, but also reliant on external donations. The crisis hits us on many levels, economic, health, and living standards. Almost all our patients got COVID-19, and we did everything we can to care for them during their illness.”
An adjacent home for older adults in the area was forced to close down several months ago due to the financial crisis, and most of the residents had no alternative accommodations or living arrangements. The Ministry of Health advised the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross to assist the displaced elderly residents with their everyday needs, provide them with medical attention, and lodge them at the hospital. Sister Saad adds,
“All our supplies and equipment are purchased in dollars, and the situation is no longer sustainable, putting mounting pressure on the hospital. Despite this, we opened our hearts and warmly received the elderly persons that were moved after their facility shut down. Our employees did everything to accommodate them, and this is part of our spiritual motto, to be open to all and be in service to help everyone in need.”
"Our employees did everything to accommodate them, and this is part of our spiritual motto, to be open to all and be in service to help everyone in need.”
The Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross responded to this influx of patients in need by opening up a new geriatrics floor. However, due to financial constraints, it was in need of additional support from Anera and its partners.
Anera coordinated with Project C.U.R.E., a US-based non-profit organization focused on humanitarian relief within the medical sector, to deliver aid supplies to local organizations.
The large shipment, weighing over 8.7 tons, contained essential medical supplies, including surgical kits, wheelchairs, walkers, dressing aids for the disabled, and C.U.R.E kits for the kids. It also included hospital furniture such as disability beds, examination tables, and bedside commodes
The donation aimed not only to reach the vulnerable older patients, but also disabled persons, children, and to support the hospitals themselves. Anera distributed the shipment to the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Palestinian Disability Forum, and other local partners.
"Anera is a pillar in our support network, and always on call during emergency situations, providing us with supplies and equipment."
Sister Saad says,
“Many organizations stand by us and support us when the time is needed, and Anera is a pillar in our support network, and always on call during emergency situations, providing us with supplies and equipment. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This helps us continue our mission to help all our patients and grants us the ability to accommodate urgent matters.”
To date, no economic recovery plan has been put in place in Lebanon, dimming prospects for national renewal anytime soon. Until then, residents will continue suffering from the consequences of a failed economy with no social system of support from the government.
