Chiropractic in Lebanon

LEBANON DCs FIGHTING FOR PRIMARY CARE STATUS

The fight is on in Lebanon for recognition of chiropractic as a primary care profession. Following 4 years of extensive negotiations by the Lebanese Chiropractors Association (LCA), led by Dr. Issam Ayache (representing seven DCs in Lebanon and other 30 who wish to return once the law is settled), the Lebanese Cabinet approved legislation in late January 2000.

However, it was then discovered that the legislation included a last-minute amendment requiring medical referral. This was unacceptable to the LCA, which has asked the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) for support. Support has been granted on the basis that any requirement of medical referral is against the public interest, and that there should be either primary care status (which is how Lebanon's DCs practice at present, though without official legislation) or no law.