Firas Al-Abiad, the caretaker Minister of Public Health, concluded his visit to Paris with meetings centered around supporting the national cancer plan and digital transformation within the Ministry of Public Health. A notable discussion was held with Isabelle Zablit, the official in charge of digital transformation at the French Ministry of Health, where both sides showcased the public health ministry's plan launched simultaneously with a new French initiative in this field. They agreed to collaborate on training personnel involved in digitization in the health sector and addressing what can be termed digital illiteracy, especially since the use of health digital transformation tools requires updated and specialized skills to ensure the effectiveness of used programs and systems.
The discussions also covered the establishment of a business incubator to encourage startups to invest in the health sector in collaboration with the Higher Institute of Business – ESA. Zablit reaffirmed interest in supporting several specialized entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Minister Al-Abiad visited the National Cancer Institute (INCA), where he met with General Director Thierry Breton and External Programs Officer Thomas Dubois. They evaluated the national cancer plan developed by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the institute and discussed ways to benefit from French expertise during its implementation phases, agreeing to train several ministry staff to ensure proper execution.
Al-Abiad also held a meeting at the Lebanese embassy in Paris with members of the Lebanese community, attended by Chargé d'Affaires Ziad Taan. The meeting provided an opportunity to inform attendees about the challenges facing the health system and the efforts made to maintain the system’s immunity and its capacity to deliver health services. Joint projects between the Lebanese and French health ministries were also presented. He noted the commitment of expatriates to their families back home, emphasizing that their annual remittances play a crucial role in overcoming the severe repercussions of the financial crisis.
He stated, "The computerized programs implemented by the ministry as part of the digital transformation plan contribute to transparency in the ministry's spending and equitable access to health services, and the completion of this plan will significantly strengthen the protection of patients from mismanagement or illicit gain."
Furthermore, Al-Abiad met with the Consul of Monaco in Lebanon, Sheikh Bishara Khoury, to discuss the support provided by the Principality to the health sector in Lebanon and potential future projects.
