Lebanese ministry of public health urges Lebanese hospitals to refrain from reporting drug users to the police

News

Lebanese ministry of public health urges Lebanese hospitals to refrain from reporting drug users to the police

18 April 2016

The Ministry of Public Health officially urges all Lebanese hospitals to refrain from their usual practice of reporting drug users to the police upon their arrival to the Emergency Department.

This practice discourages many young individuals from seeking treatment and in many cases leads to tragic consequences.

As stated in the memo below, the law mandates treating individuals suffering from drug addiction as any patient who has the right to quality care and respect of his/her privacy, without any stigma or discrimination. The law is also designed to encourage drug users to seek treatment and rehabilitation, rather than be criminalized or punished.

Click here to read the full article.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.

Thumbnail: SubLunar Photography