The economic and social crisis in Lebanon has drastically worsened the living conditions of people in Tripoli, the country’s second-largest city. Access to basic medication has become nearly impossible for many residents. The Fondation Al Tawarek (“Al Tawarek“), which already operates the „Free Supermarket“ together with Orienthelfer e.V., has therefore opened a free pharmacy (“Al Tawarek Free Pharmacy”) in another joint project to address this urgent need.
The “Free Pharmacy” provides 2,500 people from 690 registered households in Tripoli with a much-needed, reliable source for essential medicines. All of them belong to the city’s most disadvantaged households and are left to cope on their own in the ongoing crisis with their limited financial resources.
The free pharmacy, staffed by three licensed pharmacists, ensures that these people have access to essential medication. These are mostly drugs for the treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart problems, and arthritis, but also necessary antibiotics, vitamins, and painkillers.
Each registered household receives up to two medications per month. The distribution of the medication is strictly based on the needs of the beneficiaries and only on the basis of medical prescriptions, which must be renewed every six months. This ensures that the assistance is targeted and efficient, and that the health needs of the affected individuals are continuously monitored and adjusted if necessary.
This project specifically supports self-reliant individuals who have been driven into an emergency situation due to the ongoing crisis. Many of them do not have health insurance and rely on the help of the “Free Pharmacy” to ensure their long-term health.
The collaboration with Orienthelfer e.V. enables “Al Tawarek” to stabilize their supply capacities as best as possible and expand them as much as possible. This ensures that more people in Tripoli have stable access to urgently needed medication.
