The Order of Malta in Lebanon has 6 fully operational Mobile Medical Units (MMU) spread across the country. Following the 2006 war, we realized the need for Mobile Medical Units to reach people in remote villages, especially those unable to access our health centers. Therefore, 2 MMU were set up in Siddikine and Ain Ebel providing medical consultations and medical drugs in remote areas of South Lebanon.
The other 2 were recently implemented following the Syrian crisis. The Lebanese healthcare system was already stretched before the influx of Syrians and relied heavily on the private sector. Syrians displaced face several obstacles when accessing healthcare including the expensive cost of services, geographical challenges, and restricted coverage criteria.
The presence of the Syrians displaced affected particularly the North and the Beqaa governorate. The first Mobile Medical Unit was implemented in 2014 in Akkar (North) and the second one in 2016 in Kefraya (West Beqaa).
The main goals of the Mobile Medical Unit Project are to:
- Improve the access of the Syrians displaced and the needy host communities to primary and secondary health care services given the difficulties faced when moving from areas.
- Strengthen preventive health capacities among the population by promoting proper hygiene practices.
The main services provided by a Mobile Medical Unit are as follow:
Primary healthcare services:
- Services provided directly by the Mobile Medical Unit: Medical consultations, preliminary diagnosis, medical drugs….
- Services provided through a referral system from the Mobile Medical Unit to a medical Center of the Order of Malta for simple laboratory tests, specialized consultations or to a contracted laboratory tests for advanced exams.
Secondary healthcare services:
- Services provided through a referral system from the Mobile Medical Unit to a hospital in the area of operation of the Mobile Medical Unit.
