Launching ceremony of the agreement between Mgr Cortbawi Hospital and the USJ - HDF Hospital Network

On Thursday, September 29 at 5:00 p.m., a ceremony was held at Mgr Cortbawi hospital, in Adma, in celebration of its affiliation with the hospital network USJ – HDF.

The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a speech by the Director General of Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Mr. Nassib Nasr, who said: “Last month, during a press conference, we announced the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding between the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and USJ to manage Saint Charles Hospital in Fayadie and Mgr Cortbawi Hospital in Adma. We have come together tonight to launch the work at Mgr Cortbawi Hospital. Through this memorandum, USJ commits itself, along with its university hospital, Hôtel-Dieu de France, to use the expertise it has accumulated over the last 100 years in the management of the Mgr Cortbawi Hospital, a very cherished hospital and an important medical center in our dear Keserwan region. This first step is not easy, in light of the hardships the country is going through; but when there is a will, there is a way.”

For his part, USJ Rector, Professor Salim Daccache s.j., stressed on the importance of the memorandum of understanding between the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and USJ for the management of Saint Charles Hospital in Fiyadie and Mgr Cortbawi Hospital in Adma, saying, “We are not inaugurating a healthcare facility, nor are we inaugurating a new hospital, we are announcing that we will carry the mission of the Mgr Antoine Mgr Cortbawi Hospital.”

He went on to say, “We always keep Lebanon’s glory along with the glory and prosperity of its children in mind, and that, by educating the future generations on sacrifice and faith, on human and spiritual values, and on creation and creativity. We are open to everyone, especially to the good doers who are willing to help us or to share in carrying this burden. It is no secret that the process of developing and restoring this initiative is not an easy journey. Let us join hands for the good of everyone, especially the future of upcoming generations, to whom we would like to hand over something that strengthens and roots them here, so that they do not leave this unique country that is Lebanon and build other homelands in this vast universe, while this homeland becomes weak due to the ongoing emigration.

Also, Dr. Joseph El-Helou, who represented the Minister of Public Health, gave a speech in which he encouraged the launch of the network of hospitals affiliated with USJ. “We encourage the merging of hospitals so that we can overcome the current situation, especially since major countries were unable to deal with Covid-19 at a time when in Lebanon, all parties joined forces. We look forward to seeing the Mgr Cortbawi Hospital turn into an active facility that can treat patients. We also hope to support it through the new budget, where primary and secondary medical centers will be supported 3 or 4 times more, even if it is not enough; for even a small effort can go a long way, hoping for better days to come.”

Finally, Bishop Cesar Essayan, Latin-rite Apostolic Vicar , blessed this cooperation. “Blessed be this joint work, as you are making a great effort. It is safe to say that by cooperating with one another, we can put an end to the country’s sufferings. We need to join forces; for when we do, we can work and move forward for the benefit of everyone,” he said, noting that “When Pope Francis invites us to a Synodal Church, he is calling upon the whole people to move forward together, so that we can move forward in Lebanon, towards a new church with a new people.”

Finally, the ceremony was followed by a reception.