The Order of Pharmacists advocates for the right of Multiple Sclerosis Patients during a protest, in collaboration with ALISEP

Under the patronage of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, L’Association Libanaise contre la Sclérose en Plaques (ALISEP) organized a protest, within OPL’s premises in support of the rights of multiple sclerosis patients in receiving all types of treatments suitable for their condition, ensuring also its continuous availability, preventing its interruptions, and maintaining subsidies to avoid deterioration of their health conditions. The event was attended by the president of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon Dr. Joe Saloum, along with physicians and media.

As part of the campaign , the protest involved a stunt where patients placed their wheelchairs facing the officials’ chairs, to alarm the people of the critical situation they have reached and urge the concerned authorities to take immediate actions to find solutions to avoid further health deterioration to a point where they might lose mobility. Patients also carried placards expressing their demands, directing them to the relevant authorities to address their situation, emphasizing the urgency of obtaining medication and not leaving them to look for it on their own.

On that note, the president of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon, Dr. Joe Salloum, stated: “We cannot stand idly as an association in the face of patients suffering from chronic and incurable diseases. We need to unite our efforts and advocate for the fundamental rights of Multiple sclerosis patients, ensuring they receive all necessary medications of all types suitable for their condition, guaranteeing its availability in the market, and prevent the removal of subsidies. This is crucial for them to bear the costs and continue with their treatment. We call on the state to assume its responsibilities by finding rational solutions and developing a national health plan driven by a humane will and conscience, prioritizing the safety and health of patients”.

Additionally, the president of L’Association Libanaise contre la Sclérose en Plaques (ALISEP), Jane Koussa expressed gratitude to the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon and the Lebanese Society of Neurology, along with all physicians and media who supported this humanitarian cause. She emphasized: “We are here to reaffirm our commitment and raise a cry for help on behalf of multiple sclerosis patients whose health is at stake”. She continued, “Paralysis threatens the productivity of our youth, given the continuous absence of medication and the limited type of treatments provided by the Ministry of Public Health, which often do not suit their condition. We hope that the Ministry of Public Health takes this issue seriously and provides all necessary treatments for the disease and not restricting them to specific types. The diversity in patients’ responses necessitates physicians to prescribe the appropriate treatment, in addition to maintaining subsidies on medications to prevent patients from discontinuing their treatment, which could result in a deterioration of their condition”.

In turn, Professor Salam Koussa highlighted the importance of multiple sclerosis patients receiving their treatment as per the prescription to control symptoms and avoid sudden relapses. He stated, “As doctors, we are constrained in the face of the reality we are living in. Firstly, due to the unavailability of all treatments for multiple sclerosis, as each case is linked to the patient’s response to treatment. Secondly, the absence of medications from the markets presents a dilemma, forcing us to either prescribe alternative treatments that may not be suitable or patients resorting to stopping their treatment or adopting a rationing strategy in taking the medication. All these obstacles put multiple sclerosis patients at risk, increase the severity of symptoms, and lead to a deterioration of their health, potentially resulting in disability. Additionally, the psychological pressure they endure while constantly seeking treatment and the fear of bearing its high costs in case of subsidy removal.”

He also expressed his regrets for the situation in which multiple sclerosis patients in Lebanon have reached. It has become a challenge for doctors to prescribe appropriate treatments for each case due to their limited availability or discontinuation from the market. He added, “We are partners in the patients’ therapeutic journey, and our noble mission requires us to provide them with the appropriate treatment for their condition. We cannot turn a blind eye to their right to access all types of treatments. We are entrusted to stabilize their condition and prevent the progression of the disease.”

Neurology Specialist, Dr. Karine Abou Khaled affirmed the supporting role of doctors and its importance for multiple sclerosis patients, as they are the closest to them and well aware of their struggles. She added : “The results of our latest study, conducted on the impact of the crisis and the shortage of medication for multiple sclerosis patients in Lebanon, with a sample of 38 patients (average age 45 years), showed a significant increase in severe disability from 4.25% to 23%, and an increase in the percentage of those not receiving treatment to 39%”.”It is difficult for us to see our youth struggling in the quest for medication instead of pursuing their dreams while they are in the peak of their lives. We urge the relevant authorities to find rational solutions to put an end to this ongoing suffering by introducing permanent health plans. These plans should allow them to obtain their treatment and prevent them from succumbing to disability at an early age”.

Through this protest, patients strive to amplify their voices, believing in the importance of collaboration and joint efforts among all parties to make a difference. It is no longer acceptable for them to fight alone to stay alive and be deprived of their basic rights – the right to access all type of treatments with dignity to combat their illness.