Syrian refugees in Lebanon: Secondary and tertiary health care at a glance

UNHCR’s public health approach is based on a primary health care (PHC) strategy. In Lebanon, the government provides services through the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Ministry of Social Affairs with nationals paying part of the cost. In addition, PHC services are provided by private practitioners, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other charities.

Public secondary and tertiary health care institutions in Lebanon are semi-autonomous and referral care is expensive. Not all adhere strictly to the MOPH flat rate for hospital care. To harmonise access to secondary health care and manage costs, UNHCR has put in place referral guidelines in Lebanon. The costs covered by UNHCR vary by estimated cost of care, vulnerability status, and type of care (e.g. emergency life-saving, obstetric, medical and surgical). For estimated costs of USD <1500, 75% of costs are covered by UNHCR and the refugees cover the remaining 25%. If estimated costs are USD ≥1500 or refugees present outside the pre-approved hospital network, partner agencies are required to consult with UNHCR. Emergency UNHCR approval is strictly for immediate life-saving cases. UNHCR refers all non-emergency cases to an Exceptional Care Committee that is responsible for authorisation of coverage.