51 HEALTHCARE: SHALLOW SUPPORT SYSTEMS 52% of the stateless respondents declared that they don’t receive any medical care. For those able to access healthcare, their ultimate resort will be free clinics and dispensaries, with only a small proportion being able to afford private care. Given that stateless persons fall outside the fields of both the NSSF and private insurance companies, they resort to dispensaries, free clinics or out of pocket medical acts, for which their lack of documentation does not constitute an issue. As such, a higher proportion of Lebanese citizens (44%) can access hospitals and private clinics, compared to only 14% of stateless respondents who can afford to cover their own expenses. When asked whether they could afford to cope financially with a medical emergency, 98% of stateless respondents considered it impossible or very difficult, compared to 28% of Lebanese citizens. In case of emergency, 41% of stateless respondents said they would seek a way to finance it, mostly from family (56%) or from their local surroundings (23%). Fig 12. How do you access healthcare services? (Top three choices by respondents - multiple selection) 80% 70% 58% 56% 59% 57% 41% 32% Stateless Stateless 52% 52% 48% 30% Lebanese Lebanese Stateless Stateless Lebanese Lebanese Moreover, the ongoing crisis has pushed supporting organizations to cut both financial and medical aid, hence further impacting the sustainability of healthcare support to vulnerable communities. Findings from focus group discussions highlighted the reduction and sometimes the termination of assistance programs by civil society groups. Box 15. Social security in Lebanon Only 12% of respondents seeking help in regards to a medical emergency would resort to NGOs. In Akkar, the proportion was only 4%, indicating the higher proximity of such support networks in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, despite a slight coverage rate among stateless communities. Medical care in Lebanon is organized in a dual system, with the National Social Security Funds (NSSF) on one hand (established by Decree No. 13955 of 26 September 1963), and private insurance companies on the other. Greater Beirut Dispensary World Health Organization (2016). Lebanon’s Health Profile 2015. Pharmacy Mount Lebanon Private clinic Hospitals © 2023 Siren Associates. All Rights Reserved.