BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) - December 15, 2025
Lebanon has officially launched a national plan to equip 36 public hospitals across the country, marking one of the largest coordinated investments in the government health sector in recent years.
The initiative, titled “Public Hospital Equipment Plan: Strategy for Reform and Balanced Health Development,” is funded by the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).
The launch ceremony, held at the Grand Serail in Beirut, was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine, senior government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives from both funding institutions.
According to MTV, the IDB regional director, Dr. Nour El-Din Mabrouk, highlighted that 21 percent of the bank’s cumulative investments in Lebanon have been dedicated to the health sector, supporting over 30 projects.
World Bank representative Enrique Blanco Armas praised the Lebanese Ministry of Health for its rapid progress, noting that the project restores public confidence in the health system while providing critical support to vulnerable families and hospitals nationwide.
Prime Minister Salam emphasized that public hospitals have remained a cornerstone of Lebanese healthcare through financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion, and ongoing regional conflicts. “The public health sector has withstood unprecedented challenges, and today we honor the doctors, nurses, and staff who have ensured care for all,” PM Salam said.
Health Minister Nassereddine underscored the project’s integrated approach, which combines advanced medical equipment, civil works, and digital health initiatives to improve patient care and ensure sustainability.
The plan includes $25 million for equipment and $5 million for installation and civil works, with implementation expected to continue into mid-2026.
The Ministry also emphasized expanding coverage for surgical procedures, chronic diseases, early cancer detection, and vaccination programs, aiming to enhance access, quality, and equity in Lebanon’s public health system.
