Lebanon: Pharmacists plan nationwide strike Dec. 23

Event

The Committee of Pharmacy Owners has announced a nationwide strike Dec. 23 to denounce supply shortages of medicines and demand a new drug price scale. An associated sit-in protest is scheduled to occur outside the Ministry of Health in Beirut. The start time of the demonstration is unclear.

The work stoppage will likely affect nonemergency medical services for the duration of the strike. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are likely near the Ministry of Health in Beirut Dec. 23. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse

Advice

Ensure sufficient supplies of essential medicines. Avoid the protest due to the potential for clashes. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time if traveling through the affected area Dec. 23.