LEBANON – Public Health Minister Dr. Rakan Nasser El-Din launched the “Nafas – Towards Healthier Government Workplaces” initiative, aimed at promoting the health of public-sector employees and preventing diseases, particularly non-communicable chronic diseases.
The initiative was developed by the Ministry of Health’s Primary Healthcare Department in partnership with “Mawten Sohi” Association and the Family Medicine Department at the American University of Beirut (AUB).
Nasser El-Din said ministry employees work under difficult and stressful conditions and have consistently been on the front lines during crises, stressing the need to improve their working environment and provide them with adequate healthcare.
The initiative allows Ministry of Health employees to access primary healthcare services, medications and health packages free of charge. It also covers medical and humanitarian cases involving their family members.
The minister said the initiative serves as a pilot model that could later be expanded to other ministries and public institutions.
For her part, Head of the Primary Healthcare Department Dr. Randa Hamadeh said the initiative plays a complementary role in disease prevention. Dr. Mona Osman of AUB noted that more than 75% of deaths in Lebanon are attributed to non-communicable chronic diseases.
