Nasrallah: Budget Insufficient to Cover All Patients and Treatments

Opened the Research Forum in Oncology at Saint Joseph University: We aim for the best quality, price, and institutional culture demands launching the National Drug Agency

Minister of Public Health Rakan Nasrallah inaugurated the Research Forum in Oncology «FRON 2026», organized by the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Hotel Dieu Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, in partnership with the Lebanese Association of Hematology and Oncology (AMAAC), held at the Raymond and Rayya Najjar Building at the Faculty of Medicine of Saint Joseph University, attended by President of Saint Joseph University in Beirut Professor Francois Boueid, representative of the Beirut Medical Syndicate Dr. Nabil Shams al-Din, Vice President for Scientific Research at Saint Joseph University Professor Nassim Faris, Dean of the American University of Beirut Medical School Dr. Raymond Sawaya, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the Lebanese University Dr. Saadah Alameh, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University Professor Wafa Suhaili, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences at Holy Spirit University – Kaslik Dr. Jean Claude Lohoud, representatives from the faculties of medicine and medical sciences at the Lebanese University and Saint Joseph University in Beirut, Professor Mussa Riashi representing Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Saint Joseph University Professor Eli Nejm.

Also attending was the General Secretary of AMAAC Professor Sami El-Khatib via online connection, Forum Chair Professor Joseph Qatan, Head of the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine at Saint Joseph University and Hotel Dieu University Hospital, along with a large gathering of physicians, specialists, and researchers in hematology and oncology.

Nasrallah: Partnership with academia essential for developing strategies and treatments

In his speech, the Minister of Public Health emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and academic institutions, contributing to formulating optimal strategies and providing the latest treatments for patients and society. He clarified that «the National Cancer Program, a core component of the Ministry’s strategic plan, could not have been effectively implemented without collaboration with the academic sector».

Nasrallah stressed that prevention and early detection constitute a fundamental pillar of Lebanon’s National Cancer Program, noting that the Ministry will launch the National Breast Cancer Campaign on October 8th.

He pointed out that digital mammography equipment is now available in all public hospitals, announcing that early breast cancer screening tests will be offered free of charge throughout the year for the first time. He affirmed that the Ministry is preparing to launch similar awareness, prevention, and early detection campaigns for other cancers in the coming months.

Nasrallah underscored that awareness and prevention efforts «are insufficient if data are not available», noting that the Ministry of Public Health has reactivated the National Cancer Registry under the management of the Ministry’s General Director. He explained that work included completing data covering the years 2021 to 2024, while current efforts focus on data for 2025, which will be published shortly.

The Minister addressed the treatment of cancer patients, affirming that the budget remains insufficient to cover all patients and modern, advanced therapies, while noting that the Ministry has expanded treatment protocols by 400 percent compared to the situation at the beginning of the ministerial term.

He highlighted the Ministry’s continued coverage of patients not covered by insurance providers, emphasizing that the Ministry simultaneously approaches the drug issue from two key angles: maintaining drug quality and securing the best possible prices through tenders. To achieve this goal, the Ministry established specialized committees and working groups in cooperation with the academic sector, comprising approximately 14 pharmacologists, to study biosimilar drugs entering Lebanon, affirming that the Ministry will evaluate all drugs entering the Lebanese market, in addition to collaborating with international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization (WHO), to establish guidelines and standards for biosimilars.

Nasrallah stressed that the role of the Ministry of Public Health «extends beyond drug registration and distribution»; it fundamentally lies in shaping health strategies and policies, noting that several countries rely on specialized national drug agencies.

He said: «It is time to launch this momentum», announcing that work on establishing the National Drug Agency constitutes an «essential achievement» to be announced in the near future.

He affirmed that this file holds special importance for the Ministry, considering that the upcoming phase requires transitioning to a «culture of institutions», moving away from concentrating responsibilities within a single entity, and reaffirming his support for establishing the National Drug Agency.

Boueid: The noble goal of oncology is to provide better care for humanity

In turn, President of Saint Joseph University in Beirut Professor Francois Boueid emphasized that scientific research goes beyond producing data—it requires courage to pose questions, test hypotheses, accept criticism, and sometimes acknowledge that results are not what we hoped for.

He noted that «this scientific approach deeply aligns with the university’s mission», explaining that Saint Joseph University considers education «not limited to transmitting knowledge and skills, but must also contribute to building individuals capable of thinking, discerning, engaging in dialogue, and assuming responsibility».

Boueid pointed out that this responsibility takes on particular significance in oncology, where scientific advancements are progressing exceptionally, especially in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, precision medicine, molecular biology, and artificial intelligence—technologies profoundly transforming our understanding of cancer and its treatment methods.

At the same time, he stressed the necessity of not overlooking the human dimension behind every innovation, saying, «Behind every innovation lies a patient hoping, a family feeling anxious, and a medical team seeking the best possible decision».

He concluded by emphasizing that oncology research has no meaning unless it contributes to cancer awareness, prevention, improved treatment, and ultimately, better care for humanity.

Medical Syndicate Representative: Investing in scientific research is investing in the nation's future

Meanwhile, representative of the Beirut Medical Syndicate Dr. Nabil Shams al-Din noted that the world has entered an unprecedented era of scientific advancement, where discoveries once requiring years of research are now achieved within months, thanks to progress in molecular biology, precision medicine, immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, and complex data analysis.

He clarified that oncology is the clearest example of this scientific acceleration, as research daily yields discoveries that alter disease trajectories and grant patients new life opportunities previously considered impossible just a few years ago.

Shams al-Din pointed out that what inspires pride is that the Lebanese medical sector has not given up despite financial and economic crises, limited resources, and governmental failure to provide a nurturing environment for scientific research.

He stressed that sustaining this success should not remain dependent solely on sacrifices made by institutions and individuals, affirming that «investing in scientific research is no longer a luxury, but an investment in the nation’s future and the health of its citizens». He called on the state to prioritize scientific research by providing funding, strengthening partnerships between universities and hospitals, and supporting young researchers.

He paid tribute to Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nasrallah for his persistence and diligent efforts in securing cancer treatments, stating that this effort «goes beyond health responsibility; it is also a humanitarian and national duty», and appreciated every effort aimed at alleviating patient suffering and ensuring their right to dignified treatment.

El-Khatib: Partnership drives progress

Similarly, a speech was delivered by the General Secretary of the Lebanese Association of Hematology and Oncology (AMAAC), Professor Sami El-Khatib, who wished the conference success, emphasizing the importance of continuing progress and strengthening partnerships, as well as exchanging ideas and expertise in oncology.

Qatan: 13 years of perseverance

Forum Chair Professor Joseph Qatan delivered the opening address, explaining that the forum has been held continuously since 2014, after 13 years of commitment, perseverance, and sustained effort. He stated that the forum has become a «true engine for oncology research», noting that the team spirit characterizing the work of physicians in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Hotel Dieu de France has contributed significantly to remarkable advances in scientific output.

He pointed out that the number of published research papers has gradually increased from just three articles in 2013 to 46 peer-reviewed scientific articles this year, surpassing the previous record of 45 publications set by the department last year.

Faris: Scientific research is a necessity, not a luxury

Meanwhile, Vice President for Scientific Research at Saint Joseph University Professor Nassim Faris emphasized that «research is not a luxury the university can afford when conditions allow, but a necessity», clarifying that it enables medicine to advance, medical practices to evolve, and societies to respond more effectively to challenges they face.

He noted that scientific research is a «key», but to truly open doors and sustain progress over the long term, it must transcend mere activity and transform into a «culture and way of thinking» embedded in practice.

Faris stressed the need to pass this culture on to students and young researchers by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, the ability to turn observation into knowledge, and knowledge into progress.

Nejm: Collaborative research is essential in Lebanon and the region

Dr. Mussa Riashi delivered a speech on behalf of Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Saint Joseph University Professor Eli Nejm, stressing the need to pool expertise, research teams, data, infrastructure, and above all, ideas.

He said, «A good idea, when isolated, remains a good idea; but when shared, it can become a project, and when a project brings together multiple teams, it may occasionally lead to real progress».

He noted that this spirit should also be passed on to young researchers, observing that the forum gains its significance through such collaboration, no longer merely a conference organized by an institution, but gradually evolving into a community—Lebanese first, regional today, and hopefully broader tomorrow.

Honoring Professor Ghosn

During the forum, Professor Marwan Ghosn was honored for his academic and medical career and contributions to hematology and oncology. Throughout his professional journey, he held prominent academic roles at Saint Joseph University and Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, trained generations of physicians, and played a key role in developing the specialty of hematology and oncology. Saint Joseph University had previously awarded him the title of «Honorary Professor» and the Medal of Honor, recognizing his dedication and contributions to the university and its institutions, particularly because he demonstrated throughout his career that he was a committed physician devoted to his patients, consistently advocating for an oncology approach that goes beyond treating the disease to seeing the patient as a whole individual—through precision medicine, providing humanitarian support, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration among medical specialties.