Hosting the conference “Crisis Management in the Health Sector” at Balamand University, Qalhat-Koura

Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Under the patronage of President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, represented by Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani, and in the presence of the Chief of Staff representing Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Rodolph Haykal, the Military Healthcare, and Balamand University held the conference “Crisis Management in the Health Sector’ at Balamand University, Qalhat - Koura. This conference was attended by several ministers, MPs, medical and union officials, as well as political and economic figures, security forces representatives, and several LAF officers.

During the conference, Minister Hani emphasized that the health sector served as the first line of defense in facing several crises that Lebanon has endured, highlighting the importance of developing this sector to build a modern state capable of providing healthcare to its citizens. He stressed the necessity of structural transformation based on learning from experiences. He also commended the LAF's contribution to organizing the conference and the role of Balamand University in hosting meaningful scientific initiatives.

On another note, Major General Hassan Audi, the Chief of Staff, delivered a speech stating: 'The military institution has exerted every effort to play an active role in health matters during critical crises, believing in the sanctity of its professional and ethical duty to stand by the Lebanese people. On this basis, the LAF played a vital role in the national plan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as participating in the evacuation of the injured and providing them with healthcare following the Beirut port explosion, while also taking responsibility for securing the explosion site, clearing debris, and opening roads.

Additionally, the Head of Military Healthcare, Brigadier General Dani Bsharaoui, emphasized that the conference serves as a platform for dialogue and integration between official health entities, military institutions, the private sector, universities, and civil society organizations. Dr. Elias Waraq, President of Balamand University, noted that the university places special emphasis on developing strategies to ensure the continuity of various vital sectors in Lebanon, asserting that the Lebanese people will remain united and determined to rise, standing together behind their LAF.

Following this, workshops were held that included lectures related to the conference topic, presented by several officers, experts, and specialists. The conference concluded with the presentation of recommendations reached by the participants.