In this episode of “Open Mic,” we examine Lebanon’s healthcare crisis through the personal experiences of citizens and retirees struggling with hospital bills, medical costs and the lack of adequate healthcare coverage.
Several retirees and patients said that a single doctor’s visit can now cost between $100 and $150.
On top of that, patients face the high cost of medication, medical procedures and hospital treatments.
For some families, the financial burden has become overwhelming.
Some said they were forced to make painful financial decisions, including selling their homes, to pay for treatment for loved ones suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer.
Citizens also expressed strong frustration with the National Social Security Fund, saying that medical bills can take years to be reimbursed.
They also complained that the amounts eventually reimbursed are often far below the actual costs they have paid.
For many Lebanese, growing old or becoming seriously ill has therefore become a heavy financial burden.
The testimonies highlight the difficulties faced by patients and retirees in a country where many people feel they have little or no reliable healthcare safety net.
