Lebanon Launches First Government Cardiac Catheterization Unit in Akkar

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, led by Minister Rakan Nasrallah, announced the opening of the first government cardiac catheterization unit at Abdullah Al-Rassi Governmental Hospital in Halba, Akkar. This initiative, implemented in cooperation with the Qatari Red Crescent, represents a pioneering service in the Akkar governorate with a total budget of $556,000. It aims to enhance access to life-saving cardiac care for Akkar residents and reduce the burden on patients who previously had to travel to other governorates for such treatments, which often caused delays and financial strain for low-income families.

On average, the Abdullah Al-Rassi Hospital receives between 10 to 12 patients daily suffering from cardiac diseases. Approximately 20% of these patients require cardiac catheterization, amounting to an estimated 720 referrals annually.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Ministry of Public Health and was attended by the Acting Secretary-General of the Qatari Red Crescent and Assistant Secretary-General for Relief and International Development Engineer Mohammed Badr Al-Sada, the Qatari Red Crescent Director in Lebanon Bahaa Al-Najoumi, Members of Parliament Sujae Atiyeh, Mohammed Yahya, Walid Al-Ba’rini, Asaad Dargham, the General Director of Halba Governmental Hospital Dr. Mohammed Khudrain, the General Director of Tripoli Governmental Hospital Dr. Nasser Adra, along with numerous medical and social figures.

Minister Nasrallah emphasized in his speech that despite the difficult circumstances, there remains a glimmer of hope to offer to the Lebanese people. He acknowledged ongoing challenges in the south but affirmed that the health of the north is not being neglected.

He stated that the northern region and its hospitals deserve full support, which he described as a duty rather than a favor.

Nasrallah noted that Akkar, like Hermel—his own region—is deprived and expressed his hope to revitalize Akkar’s healthcare sector through the approval of a series of services.

The minister detailed ongoing projects, highlighting that Akkar has a significant share in the primary healthcare centers support project, as well as in two current projects supporting governmental hospitals funded by the Islamic Bank and the World Bank.

He listed recent medical equipment acquisitions at Halba Hospital, including a CT Scan, a Digital Ultrasound Machine, an Operating Table, Dialysis machines, and other devices that enhance the hospital’s specialized services.

Additionally, the hospital is scheduled to receive an MRI machine costing $600,000 in August.

Minister Nasrallah added that direct financial contributions to the hospital have reached $537,000 as part of an integrated support project. Since his appointment, total support to Halba Governmental Hospital has amounted to $3,200,000.

The minister also announced that the tender for constructing a new hospital in Akkar, which will serve the local population alongside Halba Hospital, will be issued within four weeks, marking another step in ongoing healthcare development.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Public Health’s commitment to the circular that guarantees 100% coverage for uninsured Lebanese patients in government hospitals and in private hospitals that have agreed to participate. He provided statistics on beneficiaries from the northern region and Akkar since the outbreak of the recent war on March 2, 2026, until now:

In Akkar, 3,296 individuals have benefited from this coverage, while in the northern region, the figure reached 6,239, representing 27% of patients across Lebanon.

Regarding the circular covering 100% of emergency admissions, beneficiaries numbered 4,142 in the north and 2,606 in Akkar.

Minister Nasrallah noted that these figures clearly demonstrate ongoing health sector development in Akkar despite significant challenges, emphasizing the principle of depoliticizing health services and expressing hope for national reconstruction inclusive of all citizens.

Engineer Mohammed Badr Al-Sada, speaking on behalf of the Qatari Red Crescent, described the government cardiac catheterization unit in Akkar as a vital project supporting the medical sector. He stressed the Qatari Red Crescent’s attention to all regions in Lebanon, expressing personal and institutional affection for Lebanon.

He added that the Qatari Red Crescent plans to enhance support for critical and specialized projects in Lebanon, focusing on providing services that others cannot, to achieve necessary improvements. He expressed hope to contribute to additional medical projects and conveyed greetings from the Chairman of the Qatari Red Crescent Board, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to circumstances.

Dr. Mohammed Khudrain, General Director of Halba Governmental Hospital, described the opening of the cardiac catheterization unit as a qualitative achievement and a significant step in advancing healthcare services and medical care for citizens. He said it serves as motivation to continue developing the hospital to remain a healthcare institution capable of meeting citizens’ needs and reducing the burden of traveling outside the governorate for treatment.

He thanked Minister Nasrallah for his care and attention, the Qatari Red Crescent for its generous support, and all contributors to the project. Dr. Khudrain highlighted the substantial healthcare needs in Akkar, considering its large area, growing population, and displaced persons. He affirmed that Abdullah Al-Rassi Governmental Hospital remains the primary and referral government hospital relied upon by the local population for healthcare.

He expressed anticipation for further support from the Ministry of Public Health, donors, and friendly entities to develop hospital departments, provide modern medical equipment, support medical and nursing staff, and enhance capabilities to handle various medical conditions, particularly emergencies, cardiac diseases, and chronic illnesses, ensuring the best possible care for Akkar residents.

Hisham Fawaz, Head of Hospitals and Clinics at the Ministry of Public Health, presented a technical overview of the project, emphasizing its positive impact on public health as follows:

- The cardiac catheterization services at Halba Hospital represent the first government cardiac catheterization unit in Akkar.

- These services improve timely access to life-saving cardiac interventions.

- They reduce referrals to hospitals outside Akkar, minimize treatment delays, and lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

- The project promotes equitable access to specialized cardiac care for the most vulnerable populations.

- It strengthens the capacity and resilience of the public healthcare system in northern Lebanon.

Fawaz noted that the project includes the following equipment:

- A Digital Cath Lab with all necessary accessories and supporting supplies.

- An Injector Pump.

- A Patient Monitor.