Today, Monday, Minister of Health in the caretaker government, Firas Al-Abyad, met with Speaker of the House Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh. After the meeting, Al-Abyad stated: "During my visit to the President, I discussed three health-related issues." He continued: "The first issue concerns the basic services provided by the ministry and the provision of medications for cancer patients and those with chronic diseases. Everyone knows that amid the economic crisis, there is a funding crisis, which has affected the ministry's ability to support these services for patients. In this context, I reviewed with His Excellency the plans put forth by the Ministry of Health to assist in this area, whether in comprehensive coverage regarding hospitalization or for medicines, especially with the new budget that is before the House of Representatives, which notes a significant increase for the Ministry of Health. This increase, God willing, will help the ministry fulfill its duties to the citizens. We hope that the passage of this budget will be swift in the council, thus enabling the ministry to provide broader coverage for citizens in hospitalization and medications."
Al-Abyad also mentioned: "The second issue that I briefed the President on is the preparations being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, especially in facing the Israeli aggression targeting Lebanon, particularly the southern regions. This requires an increase in readiness, both in hospitals and care centers, to enable us to care for the injured and our displaced and resilient families. We have budget allocations that the government has earmarked for the Ministry of Health, and we, in turn, are following up to ensure they reach those in need."
He concluded: "The last issue concerns some matters related to public hospitals. His Excellency always emphasizes the necessity of being informed about the important role that public hospitals should play, especially for our vulnerable communities. Here, the ministry’s positions are clear; it supports these hospitals, particularly for the significant role they perform for our people. We have a substantial role to play in the Ministry of Health, and with the proper funding, God willing, services will be provided."
Berri also received the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stephanie McCullough, to discuss the overall situation in Lebanon and the region, and the ongoing developments resulting from Israel’s continued aggression on Gaza and southern Lebanon. Additionally, President Berri followed up on political developments and legislative and developmental matters for the northern regions and Akkar during an afternoon meeting with a delegation from the "National Moderation" bloc, which included MPs: Walid Baalbak, Saji Attiyeh, Ahmed Al-Khair, Mohammed Suleiman, and Ahmed Rostom, along with the bloc's former secretary, MP Hadi Habesh.
