Sidon: Caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad wrapped up his tour of health sector institutions in the South and Nabatieh governorates by visiting the Turkish Emergency Hospital in Sidon. He was welcomed by the hospital director, Mona Triaki, alongside several members of the medical and administrative staff. The visit allowed him to closely examine the hospital's health plans and various sections.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Abiad began his tour with a visit to Marjeyoun Hospital, which continued its operations amidst the pressure of Israeli aggression. The hospital remained open to those in need of medical care until it was directly affected by the attacks. Abiad expressed pride in the hospital's ability to resume operations following a ceasefire agreement.
Abiad emphasized that the resilience of Marjeyoun Hospital and other hospitals in southern Lebanon is crucial for encouraging residents to return to their towns and villages and for bolstering their resilience in these areas.
He concluded his tour at the Turkish Hospital in Sidon, acknowledging the significant efforts made by the administrative, medical, and nursing staff to reopen the hospital despite challenging circumstances and limited resources. He assured ongoing support from his ministry to the hospital and other government hospitals, in collaboration with international partners.
Abiad expressed gratitude to health sector workers for their dedication and resilience, especially those in government hospitals who continue to perform their duties despite the devaluation of their salaries due to Lebanon's financial crisis.
In response to inquiries, the Health Minister voiced his satisfaction with the recent speeches by President General Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, highlighting their commitment to reconstruction and support for the services sector. Abiad noted that these statements are promising for the health sector, which has been grappling with various crises over the past five years. He expressed hope for continued improvements that would allow the sector to progress and provide quality services to society and patients in Lebanon.