In line with its goal represented by the slogan "We work now to secure what patients need later," Roche Lebanon signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital and Saint Joseph University, completing a partnership that began in an earlier phase to elevate the level of healthcare in Lebanon. This memorandum was signed during a ceremony held on April 19 at the hospital campus in Beirut, aiming to establish a solid framework for existing joint initiatives, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of this agreement.
This memorandum will enable the signatories to collaborate in several areas, most notably innovation and research, sustainable medical education, patient journeys and experiences, medical tourism, as well as digitization and technology. The memorandum was signed by Professor Father Salim Daccache, President of Saint Joseph University; Dr. Carol Hassoun, General Manager of Roche in the Middle East; and Mr. Nasib Nasr, General Manager of Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, with the efforts of Roche's team members and representatives from the hospital and university.
Roche recognizes the importance of close cooperation between the pharmaceutical sector and academic circles to create stronger, more resilient, and responsive health systems capable of balancing urgent healthcare demands that meet the needs of tomorrow. In this context, Roche continues its scientific endeavors through active partnerships that stimulate its immense potential for innovation in the fields of diagnostics, medicine, and data/digitalization, paving the way for today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare professionals to improve patients' health and lives.
The signing ceremony commenced with a speech from Mr. Nasib Nasr, who welcomed the attendees and expressed appreciation for this memorandum. He stated, "I am pleased to see two institutions of the caliber of Hôtel-Dieu de France and Roche coming together for the benefit of patients and to enhance medical research and the medical field as a whole. This collaboration will solidify our current relationships and allow us to expand our partnership. We are confident that this alliance will benefit all stakeholders in the healthcare sector as we look forward to working together to achieve our common goals."
According to Dr. Carol Hassoun, this is a pivotal moment in the history of the healthcare system in Lebanon, as it faces unprecedented challenges, while simultaneously witnessing an unprecedented union of medical, scientific knowledge, technology, and data science that revolutionizes how diseases are diagnosed and treated. Dr. Hassoun added, "As a pharmaceutical sector and as a company, we will not be able to navigate this phase and develop all available capabilities without the close collaboration of all stakeholders in the healthcare system. Roche’s core contribution to healthcare lies in innovation—in discovering and developing medicines and diagnostic tools that can significantly improve people's lives and support public health." She emphasized the importance of both scientific innovation and collaborative relationships among components of the health system in both public and private sectors, concluding that the future of the health systems we all depend on is a shared responsibility.
Professor Father Salim Daccache also expressed his pride in this partnership: “The signing of this memorandum of understanding between Roche and our university hospital Hôtel-Dieu de France is a very significant step. Despite years of crisis, this agreement reinforces our confidence that we can work together and make progress. We are proud to establish this alliance with Roche to collaborate in areas of innovation, scientific research, medical education, patient care, medical tourism, and modern digitization and technology. This partnership will contribute to improving the level of healthcare in the suburbs of Beirut and remote areas.” Daccache concluded his speech by expressing his deep gratitude for the mutual trust upon which this agreement is based, emphasizing the importance of following a unified approach to successfully launch initiatives and activate collective activities.
Roche Lebanon has played a crucial role in improving the healthcare system in the country for over 75 years. Today, amid the challenging conditions in Lebanon and the region, Roche remains committed to strengthening relationships and close partnerships with all stakeholders, relying on its vital role in finding innovative solutions that contribute to ensuring patient safety. Through these partnerships, the company aims to make the healthcare system in Lebanon sustainable and a leader in the region as a whole.
