Dbayeh:Public Health Minister, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, representing the President of the Republic, inaugurated the 27th Pharmaceutical Conference today. The event, organized by the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, took place at the Le Royal Hotel under the theme "Transforming Healthcare Through Pharmaceutical Excellence."
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the opening ceremony included attendees such as MP Bilal Abdallah, representing the Speaker of the Parliament and Chair of the Parliamentary Health Committee; Information Minister, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, representing the Prime Minister; MP George Adwan, Chair of the Administration and Justice Committee; representatives from security agencies; former heads of the Order; university deans and directors; and Dr. Abdul Rahman Markabawi, head of the Order of Pharmacists, alongside numerous pharmacists and physicians.
During his address, Dr. Nassereddine discussed the significant challenges facing the health sector and the Ministry's strategies for improvement. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the syndicate and the appointment of 14 specialists from various university faculties of pharmacy to scientific committees. These committees will work with the World Health Organization to establish operational mechanisms.
Dr. Nassereddine announced the upcoming launch of an application to monitor pharmaceutical products. This app will allow citizens to report issues with medications, leading to formal notifications and potential actions by the Ministry, including market removal of problematic products.
He further addressed the National Drug Body, noting its establishment by Parliament but emphasizing the need for executive decrees to operationalize its functions. On the topic of reforms, he mentioned the critical role pharmacists play and clarified that they should not be held responsible for pricing, while also considering the population's situation.
Regarding biosimilar drugs, Dr. Nassereddine stressed the importance of maintaining high quality and regulatory standards, along with pharmacist training and cost savings. He declared a zero-tolerance policy toward any parties compromising Lebanese health, especially concerning smuggled or counterfeit medications, and mentioned the Council of Ministers' approval of a proposal on this issue.
Dr. Nassereddine concluded with a commitment to taking necessary actions to protect the health of the Lebanese people, vowing not to allow it to be jeopardized by any entity.
