LEBANON – LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital is rolling out a new program to offer specialized burn care using the DEKA high-tech laser machine.

The Dermatology Department at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital is rolling out the new initiative in concerted efforts to assist survivors of the Beirut blast.

It is part of humanitarian efforts to support survivors of the Beirut explosion and the families of the victims of the explosion that resulted from the detonation of tonnes of ammonium nitrate.

With a generous donation from DEKA, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital is now offering specialized burn treatment services to patients and families using a state-of-the-art laser machine.

The new program seeks to draw in people who survived the massive 2020 explosion at Beirut’s port, with a focus on offering burn and associated trauma treatment to patients and their families.

In a press release, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital said: “This groundbreaking program aims to provide specialized treatment for individuals experiencing ongoing skin scars due to the devastating explosion that occurred 3 years ago in Beirut.”

By utilizing the donated laser machine and the expertise of its highly trained medical staff, the hospital will pursue its mission to heal with compassion while having high hopes of bringing solace to those affected by the tragic event.

Following decades of government mismanagement and corruption at Beirut’s port, on August 4, 2020, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history pulverized the port and damaged over half the city.

The Beirut port explosion killed 218 people, including nationals of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan, Palestine, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, and the United States.

According to publicly available data published by Human Rights Watch, the Beirut blast wounded 7,000 people, of whom at least 150 acquired a physical disability; caused untold psychological harm; and damaged 77,000 apartments, displacing over 300,000 people.

While progress has been made in rebuilding the affected areas and providing assistance to those in need, the recovery process for many victims has been particularly challenging, with persistent scars serving as a constant reminder of the tragedy’s aftermath.

LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital is rolling out a new initiative to provide relief and hope to Beirut blast victims who continue to suffer from skin scars and emotional distress.

The program aims to alleviate the suffering of those individuals who continue to battle skin scars, offering advanced laser treatment options that have shown significant promise in the field of dermatology,” the Lebanon-based facility said in a press release.

The specialized burn care initiative is the brainchild of Dr. Zeina Tannous, a tenured Professor, and Chair of Dermatology at the LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, in collaboration with LAU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital.

Recognizing the need for focused medical attention for survivors of the Beirut blast, the notable initiative was launched during a press conference held at the LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital.

The initiative was inaugurated under the patronage of the Italian Ambassador in Lebanon, Her Excellency Nicoletta Bombardieri.

Moreover, Dr. Zeina Tannous, who currently serves as the Chief of Dermatology at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, graciously welcomed the generous donation of an advanced laser machine from DEKA.

With the generous support from DEKA, we can now offer state-of-the-art treatment using the latest laser technology. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for those still grappling with skin scars, fostering a sense of renewed hope and empowerment,” said the renowned dermatologist.

She underscored that the launch of the new initiative represents a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to supporting and healing the victims of the August 4 blast.

The machine is specifically designed to treat scars and will continue Dr. Zeina Tannous’s philanthropic work of healing Beirut blast victims’ scars, offering a groundbreaking solution to aid in their recovery.

Moreover, doctors at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital will use the DEKA laser machine to provide specialized burn care to enhance the hospital’s ability to effectively treat skin scars and related issues.

The new initiative is a clear reflection of the hospital’s commitment to supporting people at all stages of life to recover from life-threatening burns and ensure they regain optimal mobility toward recovery and reintegration into society.

For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.