Doha, Qatar: As part of backing the Lebanese health sector in the teeth of economic challenges, two batches of vital medicines have recently been delivered to Lebanon’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Ministry Public Health (MOPH), at a cost of QR 3,650,000, under a project funded by Qatar Charity (QC) and implemented by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).
At Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Medical Center, the Directorate-General of Internal Security Forces held a ceremony to receive chronic disease medications provided by QRCS and QC. It was attended by Major-General Imad Othman, Director-General of Internal Security Forces; Counselor Mashaal bin Mohamed Al-Kuwari, representative of the Ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon; Dr. Mohamed Al-Sousi, head of QRCS’s mission in Lebanon; Brigadier Hussein Khashfa, Head of the Central Administration Unit; Colonel Ahmed Abla, Commander of Beirut Police; and senior officers.
Maj Gen Othman thanked the Embassy of Qatar in Lebanon, QC, and QRCS for supporting the Internal Security Forces. He stressed the importance of this support to secure medical services for more than 150,000 policemen, family members, and pensioners.
Dr. Al-Sousi stated, “It is a small contribution made to MOI, municipalities, and internal security forces, despite the pressing needs of this sector. The support from Qatari charities shows our eagerness to back the health sector in Lebanon. I would like to thank QC for funding this project. We at QRCS will continue to give every form of support to Lebanon, especially in the health sector, where we have an evident influence at MOPH’s hospitals and clinics”. In his comment, Khaled Al-Yafei, Director of Relief and Emergency Department at QC, said, “This support is part of QC’s contributions to the health sector. I hope that this assistance will help enhance health care services for patients. QC will continue to support the people of Lebanon, especially at difficult circumstances. I would like to thank QRCS for undertaking this project”.
In a press conference, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, the Lebanese Minister of Public Health, received a second batch of medicines provided under the project, in the presence of Ali Mutawaa, Advisor to the Ambassador of Qatar to Lebanon, and Dr. Al-Sousi. The gift comprised 431,308 chronic disease medicine packs in the 11 categories most needed as per the list of MOPH. Seventy percent of these medicines were allocated to 240 primary health care centers across the country, while 30% were given to MOI and municipalities, to be distributed to pharmacies of the Internal Security Forces.
In his remarks, Dr. Al-Abyad saw the donation as another instance of continuous support from Qatar for Lebanon, particularly in health projects. “Only with this support that government hospitals were able to continue doing their job at such a difficult time,” he said. “The important thing about this support is that it is provided without request. Our Qatari brothers always say that it is their ethical responsibility towards the people of Lebanon”.
Dr. Al-Sousi pointed out, “The constructive cooperation from Lebanon’s MOPH encourages us to launch more projects, under the supervision of the Embassy of Qatar in Beirut. We appreciate the funding from QC, as well as the distribution of medications by WMCA, under a protocol signed with MOPH. This project is included in QRCS’s 2023 plan; so, it will continue next year. We will do our best to help Lebanon recover and to stand by its people and everyone who lives on its land”.
Source: Qatar Red Crescent Society