A delegation from Caritas Lebanon, led by Father Michel Abboud, visited Minister of Public Health Rakan Nasser Al-Din at his office.
The delegation included Father Charbel El Khoury, Mr. Nadim Nader (Caritas Treasurer), Board Members Mr. Philippe Saleh and Judge Mireille Haddad, Mr. Gilbert Zouwain (Executive Director), Mr. Andre Koueyk (Director of Social Institutions), Ms. Sandy Hakmeh (Head of the Health Department), along with representatives from partner organizations and associations.
During the meeting, the delegation commended the Minister for his efforts in developing the ministry and facilitating services for citizens. They presented an overview of Caritas’ ongoing health and social programs across various regions of Lebanon and extended an invitation for the Minister to visit Caritas’ main center in Sin El Fil to further strengthen collaboration.
Father Abboud highlighted Caritas’ impact in the health sector, noting the operation of dozens of centers and mobile clinics serving nearly 500 villages. He also mentioned the distribution of donated medications and the implementation of awareness campaigns. In 2024 alone, Caritas provided services to over 160,000 beneficiaries. He also discussed challenges related to importing donated medicines, calling for simplified administrative procedures and proposing the formation of a joint committee with the ministry to follow up on these issues and improve the supply of essential medicines and vaccines.
Minister Nasser Al-Din expressed his gratitude to Caritas Lebanon, describing it as “a deeply rooted humanitarian name in the minds of all Lebanese,” and affirmed that Caritas remains a key partner of the ministry in the delivery of healthcare services.