The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, officially opened the chemotherapy department named after the late Engineer Samir Al-Khatib at Siblin Governmental Hospital. The event was attended by the Minister of Labor in the caretaker government, Mustafa Bayram, the head of the “Democratic Gathering,” MP Taymour Jumblatt, and other deputies including Bilal Abdullah, Farid Al-Bustani, and Halima Al-Qaaqour. Also present were lawyer Youssef Al-Khatib, representing former Minister Tarek Al-Khatib, former MP Mohammad Al-Hajjar, the Vice President of the Progressive Socialist Party, Habouba Aoun, Milar Al-Sayed, the party’s Interior Agent for the region, Bilal Al-Daqdouki, the General Coordinator of South Mount Lebanon in the “Future” Movement, Walid Sarhal, Jamil Jamil Bayram, Alaa Al-Khatib representing engineer Raja Al-Khatib and his family, Tony Al-Qazzi from the “Lebanese Forces,” Ghassan Hassan from the Syrian National Party, Younes Barakat representing “Hezbollah,” along with representatives of the Gathering of National and Islamic Parties and Forces in Iqlim Al-Kharroub and Shouf Coast. The Deputy Head of the Doctors Syndicate, Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajj, Ramzi Fares from the People’s Council in Iqlim Al-Kharroub, and Ghazi Oweidat on behalf of the Popular Conference were also among the attendees. Amani Haidar, representing the Qatar Red Crescent, headed a delegation, along with Christian Cardoza, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Lebanon and Iraq, the President of the Union of Municipalities of the Southern Al-Kharoub Region, Salam Othman, along with the Mayors of Siblin, Barja Ketermaya, Al-Wardanieh, Al-Matla, and Al-Mughayriyeh, the President of the Chouf Mukhtars Association, Mukhtar Mohammad Ismail, and the Mukhtars of the region. The Doctor for the Chouf District, Dr. Pierre Atallah, along with clubs, associations, and the Vice President of the Services Authority, Mounir Al-Sayed, also attended.
Saif El Din
After unveiling the department’s plaque and cutting the ribbon, Minister Al-Abyad and the attendees toured the department along with other sections of the hospital, checking the equipment and preparations, particularly in the emergency and kidney dialysis departments, and met several patients. Various speeches were delivered for the occasion, starting with the hospital director, Dr. Rabie Seifeddine, who stated, “The story is one of years filled with toil and effort, years of hard work, resulting in visible fruit in this land. Siblin Governmental Hospital has grown like a grain of wheat that produced an ear of wheat, and each ear contains numerous grains. It is gradually expanding its departments with the support of its benefactor, Walid Bey Jumblatt, and will continue with the backing of Taymour Bey Jumblatt and others who care for the hospital.”
He continued, “Today, despite the harsh conditions we are facing, and with the support of His Excellency the Minister of Public Health and the Qatar Red Crescent, we are striving to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients in the region and enhance the services offered by Siblin Governmental Hospital. Today, amid these challenging circumstances, we inaugurate the chemotherapy department for cancer patients, named after the late Engineer Samir Al-Khatib, hoping it will ease their pain and lessen the burden of traveling outside the region for treatment. The staff of the department is ready to assist patients and provide the necessary medical care.”
He concluded, “Thus, the hospital’s journey will continue, God willing, thanks to the support from Walid and Taymour Jumblatt and all those who generously support this medical institution, ensuring it remains capable of providing essential medical services as it is the only vital facility and medical resource for the local population. We have complete confidence in its dedicated staff.”
Haider
Amani Haidar delivered a speech on behalf of the Qatar Red Crescent, saying, “On behalf of the Qatar Red Crescent in Doha and its President in Lebanon, Mr. Mohammed Islam Kahil, we extend our best greetings in appreciation of your unwavering humanitarian efforts to serve this community and further our mission in these challenging times for Lebanon.”
She added: “We are privileged to partake in the opening of the chemotherapy department for cancer patients at Siblin Governmental Hospital. This opening is part of a vast project that we initiated with the Ministry of Public Health. We express our gratitude for their ongoing support and collaboration, which has enabled us to equip seven cancer treatment departments in seven government hospitals and provide assistance to eight other cancer departments regarding medical devices and equipment. Therefore, we have supported 15 government hospitals, accounting for 75% of the facilities across all Lebanese governorates.”
She emphasized that “this project is not the first for the Qatar Red Crescent in Lebanon but part of a series of humanitarian initiatives implemented since our launch in Lebanon under the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and our permanent partner, the Lebanese Red Cross.”
She affirmed that “the Qatar Red Crescent will continue to support the health sector in Lebanon and all humanitarian working sectors while also providing necessary resources to embody its noble mission and humanitarian principles, cooperating in the service of humanity.”
White
Minister Al-Abyad indicated that “the purpose of the tour in the Iqlim Al-Kharroub and Chouf areas is to evaluate the readiness of Lebanon’s health sector, in case, God forbid, there is an escalation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon as witnessed in Gaza.”
He added, “The stance of the Lebanese government has been clear and direct since the onset. We do not desire war and advocate for an immediate ceasefire from Gaza to Lebanon. However, amidst the brutality and savagery exhibited by the Israeli enemy, it is our duty and responsibility across all sectors, including health, to be prepared at the highest level.”
He went on to say, “During the tour, we observed that the crisis committees had made the necessary preparations, and our visits to the primary healthcare centers showed that they are at a high level of readiness, as well as the hospitals. We witnessed the best maneuvers and preparations in Siblin Governmental Hospital, and we, as part of the health sector, take pride in our workers and professionals who, during the multiple crises that Lebanon has faced, have proven to be the soldiers providing vital services to our people.”
“We hope that the preparations being made in the event of expanded attacks will remain merely preparations. However, it is our obligation to enhance our level of readiness. The government is actively addressing this matter, particularly in decisions made concerning the expedited provision of all necessary medicines, supplies, and milk in the event of displacement. A decision has also been issued regarding healthcare coverage for the displaced in care centers or hospitals, using the funds allocated by the government for the wounded or sick from the attacks on Lebanon.”
Al-Abyad underlined that “the Ministry of Health and the health sector remain committed to their responsibilities towards our populace, particularly those suffering from chronic ailments like cancer and kidney-related issues.” He expressed his delight in attending the opening of the Chemotherapy Department – Engineer Samir Al-Khatib Unit at Siblin Governmental Hospital, part of a vast project supported by the State of Qatar through the Qatar Red Crescent across 15 government hospitals—either by establishing or expanding chemotherapy departments. This endeavor significantly benefited our community as patients previously traveled long distances for treatment, but now, they can receive care locally, underlining the crucial role that government hospitals have played and will continue to play.”
He reiterated the “Ministry of Health’s strategy of prioritizing support and expansion of departments within government hospitals so that, in the future, we can further develop other departments in Siblin Governmental Hospital to ensure it offers all services like any university hospital to our region and neighboring areas.”
He added, “It was also an opportunity for us to visit the Hajj Jamil Jamil Bayram Kidney Dialysis Center, which has alleviated patients’ burden and eliminated the hassle of traveling to other regions. This center represents one of the most significant advancements in the hospital, and I am pleased that the Hajj Jamil Bayram family continues to provide devices for the center. The Ministry of Public Health will also supply seven additional devices to ensure all patients receive the treatment they need.”
The Minister concluded, “We do not wish for war, yet we remain fully committed to our duties in terms of preparedness, and we commend the national leaders who make pivotal decisions during critical moments to maintain unity, integration, and solidarity among the Lebanese people.”
On behalf of the hospital administration, doctors, employees, and staff, Saif El-Din presented a plaque of appreciation to Jamil Jamil Bayram, acknowledging him as “the epitome of generosity who has consistently supported the hospital at every stage and contributed to enhancing the kidney dialysis department.”
Inauguration of Chemotherapy Department at Siblin Governmental Hospital
The Minister of Public Health in the caretaker government, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, officially inaugurated the late Engineer Samir Al-Khatib’s chemotherapy department at Siblin Governmental Hospital. This significant event took place in the presence of various dignitaries, including the Minister of Labor in the caretaker government, Mustafa Bayram, and prominent figures from the region’s political and medical communities.
Key Attendees at the Inauguration
- Minister of Labor, Mustafa Bayram
- MP Taymour Jumblatt, head of the “Democratic Gathering”
- Deputies: Bilal Abdullah, Farid Al-Bustani, Halima Al-Qaaqour
- Lawyer Youssef Al-Khatib representing former Minister Tarek Al-Khatib
- Former MP Mohammad Al-Hajjar
- Deputy Head of the Doctors Syndicate, Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajj
- Amani Haidar, representative of the Qatar Red Crescent
- Christian Cardoza, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Lebanon and Iraq
- And other significant representatives from various medical and political organizations.
Ceremony Highlights
After unveiling the department’s plaque and cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Minister Al-Abyad and the attendees toured the newly established chemotherapy department, along with other departments of the hospital, including the emergency and kidney dialysis facilities.
Remarks by Hospital Director, Dr. Rabie Seifeddine
In a heartfelt speech, hospital director Dr. Rabie Seifeddine articulated the journey of the hospital, saying: “The story of years of toil, effort, and fatigue… Siblin Governmental Hospital was like a grain of wheat that produced an ear of wheat, expanding with the support of benevolent sponsors…”
Importance of the New Chemotherapy Department
Dr. Seifeddine emphasized the significance of the chemotherapy department for cancer patients in the community, which was previously a challenge for patients who had to travel great distances for treatment.
Support from Qatar Red Crescent
Amani Haidar, representing the Qatar Red Crescent, underscored the organization’s commitment to enhancing healthcare in Lebanon. She noted, “This opening is part of a large project launched with the Ministry of Public Health, equipping 7 cancer treatment departments in government hospitals…”
Minister Al-Abyad’s Vision for Health Preparedness
Minister Al-Abyad reiterated the importance of health sector preparedness amid escalating regional tensions, stating: “The aim of the tour in Iqlim Al-Kharroub and Chouf regions is to assess the health sector’s readiness. We do not want war, but we must be prepared…”
Focus on Chronic Disease Management
During his address, Minister Al-Abyad assured that the health sector would not neglect the needs of patients with chronic diseases like cancer and kidney failure. He expressed pride in the efforts of healthcare workers amid the ongoing crises.
Collaboration and Future Plans
The Minister announced ongoing partnerships with various organizations, particularly the Qatar Red Crescent, to continue improving healthcare facilities across Lebanon. He remarked, “Our strategy is to support and expand departments in government hospitals…”
The Role of Local Dignitaries
Acknowledging the contributions of local politicians and organizations, Al-Abyad noted that their support was crucial for the hospital’s growth and capability to serve the community effectively.
Benefits of the New Chemotherapy Facility
- Reduces travel burdens for cancer patients seeking treatment.
- Enhances the quality of healthcare services in the region.
- Provides essential facilities for pediatric and adult cancer patients.
- Demonstrates collaborative efforts among local and international organizations to improve healthcare access.
Community Engagement and Support
Dr. Seifeddine, on behalf of the hospital administration, presented a shield of appreciation to Jamil Jamil Bayram for his generous contributions and unwavering support to the hospital’s initiatives.
Conclusion
The establishment of the chemotherapy department at Siblin Governmental Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in the region. Through collaboration, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of quality care, the hospital is poised to make meaningful strides in the fight against cancer and other chronic diseases.
