Therapeutic and cosmetic laser surgery is an integral part of a booming medical tourism industry in Lebanon. But unknown to most patients, the Lebanese market hosts a wide variety of medical equipment originating in Israel.


According to Lebanon's Al-Akhbar online newspaper, the boycotted products make their way into the Lebanese market disguised as imports from the US, Europe, and Dubai. They are marketed through reputable local distributors authorized by Lebanon's health ministry.


The issue is under investigation and scrutiny of the Campaign to Boycott Israel Supporters in Lebanon, which found that the Lebanese market has been "invaded" by four such Israeli companies.


Boycott campaign activist Samah Idriss told the Lebanese site that they have been working on the case for a long time, but did not want to slander distributors of Israeli products. Instead, he has met with them to warn them about the nature of these companies, which tend to conceal their primary source or that they originate in Israel.

Idriss indicated that the campaign expected the Lebanese government to tackle the issue.


He said it was unfortunate that medical scientific associations allow their medical conferences to be sponsored by these companies. Some doctors even boast about these products on television.


Idriss said that the campaign will decide what to do next based on steps taken by Lebanese authorities, but it will not remain silent.


Meanwhile, head of the Lebanese Society for Dermatologists Fouad al-Sayyid told to Al-Akhbar he didn't have any knowledge of Israeli equipment or medications in Lebanon.


He referred the issue to the Order of Physicians and the health ministry who are required to control the process, pointing out that Lebanese doctors use equipment that is approved and legally available in the Lebanese market.





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