In line with its mission of “Doing now what patients need next,” Roche Lebanon SARL has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital and Saint Joseph University in Beirut. The signing ceremony, held at the hospital premises in Beirut, reaffirmed the strength of this strategic alliance aimed at elevating the healthcare sector in Lebanon through sustained collaboration.

The renewed MoU further anchors a framework of joint initiatives across a range of priority areas, including innovation and research, medical education, patient experience and support, medical tourism, and digitization and technology. It also marks an expansion of the collaboration into new disease areas and within the broader network of HDF/USJ-affiliated institutions.

The memorandum was signed by Professor Salim Daccache s.j., Rector of Saint-Joseph University of Beirut; Dr. Carole Hassoun, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals Levant; and Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Manager of Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital.

“Signing this memorandum for a second year is a privilege and a testament to the strength of our shared belief that we can improve human health through partnership,” said Dr. Carole Hassoun. “The foundation of trust and synergy we’ve built with Hôtel-Dieu de France and Saint Joseph University over the past year has been invaluable. We are driven by the idea that the rigorous pursuit of science can transform lives, and as we deepen our collaboration, we will continue to combine our expertise to push boundaries and bring breakthrough healthcare solutions to patients in Lebanon.”

Prof Salim Daccache said: “We are extremely satisfied with the partnership with Roche. This renewal underscores the long-term vision of all parties to foster a culture of continuous learning and research excellence in Lebanon. It also opens new avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring that future healthcare solutions are both cutting-edge and locally relevant.”

“This MoU goes beyond a simple partnership,” added Mr. Nassib Nasr, “Its strength lies in the dynamism, efficiency, and professionalism of the teams involved, and in the variety of interactive and productive committees from both sides that have enabled us to bring these pillars to life.”

The renewed agreement highlights the shared belief that meaningful progress in the industry requires collective effort. In an increasingly complex and evolving healthcare landscape—especially amid Lebanon’s current challenges—collaboration between academia and medical institutions is more critical than ever.

By joining forces, Roche and Hôtel-Dieu de France / Saint-Joseph University of Beirut reaffirm their commitment to co-developing solutions that are innovative, patient-centered, and sustainable. These partnerships enable the alignment of science, clinical expertise, and real-world implementation, paving the way for healthcare advancements that better serve patients and strengthen the overall system.

For more than 75 years, Roche Lebanon has been instrumental in strengthening the country's healthcare landscape. In the face of ongoing challenges in Lebanon and the wider region, the company remains firmly dedicated to building meaningful partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem. By harnessing its expertise and innovative capabilities, Roche continues to deliver impactful solutions that support both patients and healthcare professionals. These collaborations not only aim to ensure the resilience and longevity of the healthcare system but also to reinforce Lebanon’s role as a regional leader in medical advancement.

Under the theme “Psychology at the heart of hospital care,” the Psychology Unit successfully organized a dedicated day at the Khalil Mitri Assha Hall of Hôtel-Dieu de France.

This event highlighted the fundamental role of psychology in supporting patients, their families, and healthcare teams.

In addition, a survey was distributed to patients and visitors to assess their awareness of this essential aspect of care.

A meaningful and constructive moment of exchange, the event emphasized the importance of active listening and psychological support throughout the care journey.

On the occasion of the visit by the official delegation of the French National Academy of Medicine, Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Dr. Philippe Kfouri Room, named in honor of one of the great figures of Franco-Lebanese medicine.

The event was held in the presence of Professor Christian Boitard, Perpetual Secretary of the French National Academy of Medicine; Professor Jacques Belghiti, Deputy Secretary of the Academy; Professor Jean-Marc Ayoubi, corresponding member of the Academy; and Mr. Albert Kfouri, President of the Malte Lebanon Association. Numerous distinguished guests from the medical, administrative, and academic communities—both from HDF and Saint Joseph University of Beirut—were also in attendance.

Mr. Nassib Nasr, Director General of the USJ-HDF hospital network, opened the ceremony by paying tribute to Dr. Kfouri and recalling HDF’s historic mission as a center of care, knowledge transfer, and Francophone excellence. He emphasized that this moment of recognition reflects an enduring commitment to strengthening ties between France and Lebanon in service of both medicine and humanism:
"By naming our multipurpose room after him, we are honoring his memory and reaffirming our commitment to the values he embodied: rigor, vision, and humanity. This solemn occasion is also a celebration of the enduring friendship between our two nations through a dynamic and forward-looking medical partnership."

Speaking on behalf of the Kfouri family, Mr. Albert Kfouri delivered a deeply moving and forward-thinking address, calling for the spirit of remembrance to be transformed into a drive for scientific advancement, with the ambition of establishing Beirut as a leading center of medical research in the Middle East.

Professor Christian Boitard highlighted the origins of the Dr. Philippe Kfouri Prize, the result of an initiative within the Academy to enhance international collaboration, particularly with Lebanon. He noted that the first recipient of the prize, Dr. Hampig Kourie, a hematologist-oncologist at Hôtel-Dieu de France, was recognized for his outstanding work carried out in partnership with the Georges-Pompidou Hospital in Paris.

Taking the floor, Professor Jacques Belghiti spoke about the Academy's ongoing commitment to supporting medical research, notably through over forty prizes awarded each year thanks to donations and bequests. He praised the creation of the Kfouri Prize, underlining its strategic role in strengthening Franco-Lebanese scientific ties.

Professor Jean-Marc Ayoubi expressed his pride in seeing the Kfouri Prize evolve into an annual recognition, and warmly congratulated the laureate once again for the excellence and relevance of his project. He added:
"For us, this hospital is a true forward base for Francophone medicine in the Near East. Over the years, it has trained outstanding physicians."

The ceremony also paid tribute to the exceptional life and work of Dr. Philippe Kfouri, born in Beirut in 1894, exiled to France in 1915, and a pioneer in the fight against tuberculosis. A naturalized French citizen in 1927, he developed an innovative tuberculin test that was authorized for sale in October 1944, just weeks before his passing at the Institut Pasteur. His work was continued and industrialized by Dr. Charles Mérieux, significantly advancing global efforts to prevent the disease.

The event concluded with a reception, honoring a legacy of memory, tribute, and the shared scientific values that unite France and Lebanon.

Jezzine Governmental Hospital, in collaboration with Hôtel-Dieu de France, organized a health screening day for all residents of the region, as part of an initiative aimed at promoting comprehensive health prevention in the area.

The event included general medical consultations and free blood tests, which benefited over 100 individuals from different age groups. In addition to medical check-ups, each participant received psychological consultations provided by specialized professionals, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of mental health.

This event marked the official launch of the collaboration between Jezzine Governmental Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu de France, with the aim of establishing a shared foundation that will contribute to improving the quality of healthcare in Jezzine and neighboring villages.

The success of this health day highlights the importance of joint initiatives and cooperation between public and private health institutions, and the essential role of collective efforts in delivering healthcare services that meet the community’s needs — especially in light of the ongoing crises.