Beirut: The Government of the Hellenic Republic, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC) have announced a new initiative aimed at expanding access to critical hospital care for vulnerable patients in Lebanon and bolstering the hospital's emergency, critical, surgical, and neonatal services.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the initiative, backed by a EUR 500,000 contribution from the Government of the Hellenic Republic through Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will span 12 months. It aims to incorporate Saint George University Medical Center into WHO's national Life-Saving and Limb-Saving Hospitalization Initiative and equip the hospital with essential medical equipment to enhance its critical services.
Lebanon's healthcare system is under immense pressure due to prolonged economic challenges, displacement issues, workforce shortages, fragile supply chains, and conflict-induced shocks. These factors have made it difficult for vulnerable and uninsured patients to access specialized medical care. The initiative seeks to alleviate these challenges by reinforcing the capacity of Saint George University Medical Center, a key tertiary referral and university medical center.
"This partnership demonstrates the importance of ensuring that vulnerable people can access the care they need when they need it, while simultaneously investing in the capacity of health facilities to deliver safe and effective services," stated Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Lebanon.
WHO's support under the initiative will focus on assisting vulnerable and uninsured patients with life-threatening or limb-mobility-threatening conditions requiring advanced inpatient care. The initiative will address conditions such as trauma, cardiac issues, and neonatal cases that necessitate specialized care, including intensive neonatal transportation between hospitals.
The program also aims to enhance the operational capacity of Saint George University Medical Center by procuring and installing priority medical equipment. These improvements will strengthen neonatal care during ambulance transportation, surgical and anesthesia services, and emergency response capabilities, allowing the hospital to handle critically ill patients and complex cases more effectively.
H.E. Despina Koukoulopoulou, Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon, emphasized Greece's commitment to supporting Lebanon, stating, "The Government of the Hellenic Republic, through Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is pleased to support this initiative as a tangible expression of solidarity with the Lebanese people in times of need."
Saint George University Medical Center has played a significant role in Lebanon's healthcare system, despite being severely affected by the Beirut Port explosion in 2020. Dr. Ziad Haydar, CEO of Saint George University Medical Center, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the partnership's role in enhancing care for those most in need.
Ms. Maya Hobeika, Director of Philanthropic Relations at the hospital, detailed the program's positive impact on vulnerable patients and emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency.
His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi, Archbishop of Beirut and its Dependencies, praised the program's focus on lifesaving and limb-saving medical cases, highlighting its role in preserving human dignity and hope.
The project will be implemented by WHO Lebanon in coordination with Saint George University Medical Center, leveraging WHO's established hospitalization support mechanisms and Lebanon's national health-sector arrangements. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to maintaining access to essential health services and fortifying Lebanon's healthcare system resilience.