Crisis in Lebanon – one doctor's story

Lebanese emergency doctor Nour al-Jalbout has worked in Beirut for nearly two years. Sadly, she has decided to quit because Lebanon is too dangerous.

Nour was at work during a terrible chemical explosion in Beirut in August.

Nour: "I have the most noble job - when I'm doing it, and I'm doing the best I can. [And then came] August 4 - I was here and the ceiling fell off on us."

Nour's home was damaged in the explosion. She's tired of being brave.

Nour: "I mean, we're known for our resilience, it's kind of, of a double-edged sword. Like, the Lebanese resilience, I'm like fed up of being resilient. I don't want to live this life anymore, you know. I want to live a decent life and not be having to face a bomb, and civil riots, and war every like couple of years - it's heart-breaking."

It isn't easy to live in Lebanon. The pandemic makes life difficult. And lots of Lebanese people don't trust their government.

People are also worried about the country's economy. Doctor's pay is going down. And hospitals can't get necessary drugs because they can't afford them.

Nour: "So, every month there's a medication that's essential that is out of stock. So, it goes back and forth until we get the money and then get the supplies. Oh, he needs to be midlined."

Lebanon used to be a great country for a career in medicine. But now, hundreds of doctors have decided to leave.

Nour would love to stay in Lebanon. But she feels it is unhealthy for her.

Nour: "For me Beirut is like opium, [they call it "afiun" in Arabic]. You are, you're addicted to it but it's so bad for you, it's toxic. So [my love for Beirut is like this] this bad relationship that's not good for me and I have to just get out."

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