|
Before the civil war, Lebanon's modern health care system and medical institutions made Beirut the health care centre for the Middle East, a reputation is still enjoys, though in a more limited way. The country's health system and quality of life for its people were greatly disrupted by the war. Although the country has over 150 hospitals, only a fraction of these are public institutions. As in similar situations, the wealthiest of society receive the best medical care, mostly through private clinics. Those who are poor or live outside urban centres have difficulty accessing treatment. Lebanon has a national medical insurance program financed through contributions made by employers, employees and the government. The program partially compensates patients for medical care, and people make up the difference with cash when they visit doctors or go into hospital. If patients have no money, they must rely on their families to subsidize them. In cities, medical care is in some ways more accessible than in North America. For example, doctors make house calls. Physician's automobiles carry a medical symbol on both the front and rear windows, so that anyone can flag down a doctor if they need urgent medical attention. Many drugs in Lebanon, including antibiotics, can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. Most women choose to give birth in hospitals. Those who have home births usually receive assistance from nurse-midwives, who have replaced most of the country's traditional midwives.
Despite the stress of the long civil war, Lebanon has made an impressive recovery. One of the main dangers in the countryside remains from thousands of unexploded landmines. People also suffer psychological stress from the war, though few Lebanese will seek medical attention for mental health problems. Most prefer to work through their own problems, with the support of their family.
|