Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati participated in part of a meeting called by Minister of Public Health, Firas Al-Abyad, at the ministry to discuss the Health Ministry's plan to enhance the readiness of the health sector in case of any emergency. The meeting was attended by Ministers of Industry George Bouchikian and Environment Nasser Yassin, President of the Private Hospitals Syndicate Suleiman Haroun, and several relevant officials from the ministry.
During the meeting, Mikati affirmed that "the government, despite its limited capabilities, will support the ministry’s plan in fulfilling its full obligations towards its citizens." Minister Al-Abyad outlined the key focuses of the ministry's plan, which include:
- Enhancing readiness to provide emergency services in case of increased assaults leading to a higher number of casualties, and allocating funds to cover treatment and hospitalization.
- Improving preparedness in the event of an uptick in displaced individuals fleeing worsening attacks, ensuring continuity of health services across various regions, regardless of the rising number of those in need, in coordination with various health sector partners.
Following the meeting, there was a tour of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center established by the ministry, where Minister Al-Abyad explained to Prime Minister Mikati, the ministerial delegation, and attendees from health syndicates the operational mechanism of the room, which acts as a connection between the ministry and various health institutions for effective coordination and immediate response to needs.
Minister Al-Abyad emphasized during the health sector's stand condemning the massacre at the Baptist hospital the "necessity for the international community to fulfill its duties regarding respect for international law and the sanctity of health institutions and the protection of health workers." He added that "the various crises facing our community prove that the health sector is always on the front lines, committed to its humanitarian mission, and it must be neutralized and not made a target!"
Industry Minister George Bouchikian joined the solidarity stand alongside Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Minister of Public Health Firas Al-Abyad, supporting the Palestinian people, and protesting against the terrorist and aggressive attacks they face in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation. He stated that "it is in the nature of the Israeli army to attack children and women, as well as stone and human beings, without restraint or compassion, and while we feel deep sadness and sorrow for the brutal mass killing yesterday at the Baptist hospital, what is appalling is the international community's ignorance of the true perpetrator and its covering up and blaming the victim. Therefore, we call for a conscientious awakening to condemn the criminal and hold him accountable."
A gathering is taking place in the "ESCU" Square in downtown Beirut, where dozens of Lebanese and Palestinians are raising Palestinian flags and chanting angry slogans denouncing the Israeli targeting of the Baptist hospital in Gaza and the Israeli aggression against the sector.
