Republic of Lebanon
Ministry of Public Health
The Minister
Beirut, 22 August 2019
Circular No. 76
Concerning the implementation of Circular No. 1/55 dated 1 April 2006 and Circular No. 469 dated 22 March 2016
Whereas the Ministry of Public Health adopts a humane and compassionate approach to drug dependence, affirming the right of people who use narcotic substances to receive treatment rather than face criminal prosecution, and seeking to ensure the provision of the medical and social assistance necessary to overcome dependence;
Whereas some hospitals notify the security forces when patients experience an overdose, thereby discouraging these individuals—most of whom are young people—from seeking necessary medical care, depriving them of treatment and sometimes resulting in death;
Therefore,
We urge the management of all hospitals and healthcare professionals generally to comply with Circular No. 1/55 dated 1 April 2006, which requires “notifying the Internal Security Forces by fax of incidents resulting from the actions of others,” and which does not cover cases of addiction or overdose, as well as Circular No. 469 dated 22 March 2016, which reaffirmed this clarification. This is intended to safeguard patients’ right to healthcare and treatment, respect their privacy, and prevent stigma and discrimination against them.
Minister of Public Health
Dr. Jamil Jabak
Distribution:
- Ministry of Interior and Municipalities
- Directorate General of the Internal Security Forces
- Directorate General of Health
- Syndicate of Private Hospitals
- Public Hospitals
- Orders of Physicians in Beirut and Tripoli
- Archives
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