LEBANON – New state-of-the-art intensive care units (ICUs) and associated medication dispensing stations have been established on the premises of the Lebanon American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH).
The inauguration of the ultramodern ICUs and medication dispensing stations is a living testament to LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital’s commitment to fostering and advancing the health of humankind.
LAUMC-RH, in collaboration with the LAU Health Foundation (LAUHF) and Lebanon American University, hosted an inauguration event for its healthcare facilities.
The inauguration event presented a chance for high-level representatives to highlight the successful collaboration between USAID/ASHA and LAUMC-RH, and its partners over the years in pursuit of enhancing healthcare and patient safety.
In an official statement, Her Excellency Dorothy C. Shea, Ambassador of the U.S. to Lebanon, stated: “Over the last decade, USAID’s ASHA contribution to the LAU Health Foundation and the LAU Medical Center reached a total of US$5.7 million.”
Prior to the inauguration ceremony, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital received grant funds worth up to US$750,000 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
USAID awarded the grant funding to LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital through the independent agency’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad.
The hospital upgrade is a reflection of the shared vision between the American Government, USAID, USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), and the Embassy of the United States, Beirut.
It underpins the long-term partnership between the United States and the Lebanese American University together with the LAU Health Foundation.
“Through the long-term partnership, LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital has made significant progress in providing quality services in maternity, emergency medicine, critical and intensive care, as well as bolstering operating and surgical capacity,” underscored Ambassador Shea.
In addition, USAID provided LAUMC-RH with grant funding to improve patient safety in line with U.S. standards and practices and enhance the hospital’s staff efficiency, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.
USAID/ASHA’s continuous support is pivotal to not only fostering a center of medical excellence and innovation but also reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to its patients and community.
It is based on a mutual commitment to improve education, maintain access to high-quality healthcare services, and advance the well-being of Lebanese citizens.
Moreover, this grant funding comes as part of the USAID/ASHA initiative with the aim of providing financial assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospital centers, and centers of excellence.
USAID/ASHA initiative provides financial support to highlight American ideas and practices and provide concrete illustrations of the generosity of the American people.
It is expected to build on the U.S. Government’s public diplomacy and catalyze collaboration between U.S. citizens and citizens of partner nations.
Consequently, LAUMC-RH used the recent USAID/ASHA grant to set up a state-of-the-art pharmacy system that ensures the safe, efficient, and error-free dispensing of hospital patient medicines.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ambassador Dorothy Shea, USAID Mission Director Julie Southfield, LAU President Dr. Michel Mawad, and Mr. Sami Rizk, CEO of LAU Medical Center- Rizk Hospital, along with LAU Medical Center faculty and staff.
Attendees participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Intensive Care Units and a guided tour of the newly equipped medication dispensing systems, capturing the essence of progress and commitment to patient well-being.
On his part, President of the Lebanon American University, Dr. Michel Mawad welcomed attendees with a speech underlining the significance of patient safety as a cornerstone for JCI accreditation and optimal patient care.
Dr. Mawad spoke of the shared vision between the American Government, USAID, American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, and the Embassy of the United States, Beirut.
During the inauguration event, Mr. Sami Rizk, Chief Executive Officer of LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, took the floor to emphasize patient safety as a paramount objective.
Mr. Sami Rizk further highlighted the pivotal role of the new ICUs and medication dispensing systems in transforming care for thousands of people in Lebanon.
In his address, Mr. Sami Rizk said: “The medication dispensing system will enable us to streamline medication dispensing, reduce errors, and significantly improve patient outcomes, modeling the American Joint Commission International (JCI) standards and best practices related to patient safety.”
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