On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the Endocrinology Department and the Diabetes Education Center at Hôtel-Dieu de France organized an awareness campaign in the hospital's main hall - Hall Khalil Mitri Assha. The event, hosted by healthcare professionals, focused on the importance of diagnosing and preventing diabetes in children and adults.

At the same time, the Dietetics Department contributed by offering valuable advice on a balanced diet, essential for the prevention, management and better control of this disease.

Visitors and hospital employees were able to take advantage of practical advice and free hair tests, an initiative designed to encourage diabetes monitoring and raise community awareness of this public health issue.

Hôtel-Dieu de France expresses its gratitude to Mrs. Vanessa Hadchity Torbey El Helou, a former patient of our Hematology-Oncology Department, for her inspiring gesture.

After overcoming cancer, Mrs. Vanessa Hadchity Torbey El Helou wished to donate a bell that can be rung by every patient upon completing their chemotherapy sessions, symbolizing the end of their treatment and the beginning of a new chapter.

We hope that this meaningful gift will resonate as a message of strength and encouragement for all our patients.

The Minister of Health in the caretaker government, Dr. Firas Al-Abyad, conducted an inspection visit to Hôtel-Dieu de France to express the Ministry of Health's solidarity with hospitals during these difficult circumstances. He was welcomed by the General Director of the Hospitals Network – USJ-HDF, Mr. Nasib Nasr, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Saint Joseph University, Professor Elie Nemer, as well as the Medical Director, the Nursing Director, and several managers, officials, and representatives from medical and nursing teams.

Mr. Nasib Nasr thanked the Ministry of Health for its efforts in the current situation and pointed out that Hôtel-Dieu de France is providing all possible services and cooperation to our Lebanese citizens, especially those displaced from the south, the suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley. He emphasized that the Ministry's support and collaboration in such cases are essential to ensure the best possible care.

For his part, the minister confirmed that the current situation for the displaced is extremely challenging, as the enemy seeks to create chaos and pressures through their displacement, negatively impacting the health sector due to an increase in the number of casualties in specific areas. He explained that the Ministry of Health is monitoring all data in hospitals and is striving to distribute cases evenly to avoid pressure on any particular hospital. He also noted the ongoing collaboration with various entities, including the Red Cross, to provide support in this context.

Dr. Al-Abyad announced the establishment of a mechanism to cover war casualties, indicating efforts to provide care for the displaced in the emergency department, where approximately fifty hospitals have been selected for this purpose. In addition, the ministry is working to establish designated centers under its supervision.

The minister stressed the importance of including some university hospitals in these programs, as this partnership contributes to enhancing the core mission of university hospitals. Regarding assistance, the minister clarified that the ministry distributes all supplies it receives, despite the limited quantities available so far.

In conclusion, the minister called on everyone to intensify efforts to overcome these challenges and ensure the best possible healthcare for citizens in these exceptional circumstances. He emphasized that what distinguishes the health sector and reflects its significant efforts is the transparent and swift communication between all parties involved.

During these difficult times, a mobile clinic from Hôtel-Dieu de France, made up of doctors, residents, interns and nurses, is mobilizing in various regions of the country.

This initiative, in collaboration with Aster and in association with various organizations, offers free primary healthcare to all those in need.

Working together to overcome obstacles during this critical period

For associations and institutions interested in these services, please contact the following number: 01 604 000, ext. 7799.