First Lady of Lebanon, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun, praised the medical and research efforts dedicated to advancing cancer care for both women and men, with the ultimate goal of improving survival outcomes. Her remarks came during a special visit to the Women’s Cancer Institute at Hôtel-Dieu de France, the first specialized center of its kind in Lebanon and the region, dedicated to safeguarding women’s health and supporting them in facing one of the most serious health challenges of our time.

The First Lady toured the center, reviewed the services it provides, and visited patients undergoing treatment, where she inquired about their health and wished them a swift recovery. She then moved to the hospital’s General Administration, where she was received by representatives of the medical, nursing, and administrative teams.

During the reception, Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Director of Hôtel-Dieu de France–Saint Joseph University Hospital Network, addressed the gathering, stating:
“Your visit to the Women’s Cancer Institute shines a light on a profound humanitarian and national cause, and underscores the hospital’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health despite severe economic and environmental challenges. This center is the fruit of our continuous efforts, dedicated to supporting women patients and their families in the battle for hope and healing. The growing number of cancer cases makes this mission a moral duty that cannot be abandoned. Your presence today provides immense moral support and conveys a message of solidarity to every patient and their family, while reaffirming your trust in our ability to remain resilient and uphold human dignity and the right to treatment.”

Mrs. Diana Bou Dargham Tannoury, Manager of the Women’s Cancer Center, followed with a word of welcome:
“With faith and gratitude, we are honored to welcome the First Lady, Mrs. Nehmat Aoun. Her support brings strength and hope to every woman in Lebanon fighting cancer. The Women’s Cancer Institute at Hôtel-Dieu de France was born out of a personal journey with illness, but it embodies a national cause that touches every household. Its mission is to ensure early detection, proper treatment, and compassionate care for all women. Our vision is to transform women’s healthcare in Lebanon through awareness and prevention programs, early diagnosis, surgical and medical interventions, psychological support, and scientific research. Thanks to Hôtel-Dieu, we are blessed with a fully dedicated medical and nursing team to carry out this mission.”

Professor David Atallah, Director of the Women’s Cancer Institute and Head of the Department of Gynecology and Abnormal Placentation, then presented data and statistics regarding cancer cases in Lebanon and the number of patients who have benefited from the center’s support to date.

On this occasion, Reverend Professor Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of Saint Joseph University and Chairman of the Board of Hôtel-Dieu de France, addressed the audience, saying:
“Your presence, Madam First Lady, goes far beyond protocol. It is a message of solidarity and hope to every woman with cancer and her family. For over a century, our hospital, in partnership with Saint Joseph University, has pursued its mission of providing advanced medical and human care to all patients without discrimination. The Women’s Cancer Center embodies this mission by accompanying patients medically, psychologically, and socially. Today, you reaffirm that human health and the dignity of women remain at the heart of our nation’s priorities, and you encourage us to continue our path of medical excellence.”

Concluding the visit, the First Lady expressed heartfelt gratitude in her closing remarks:
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. It is not you who seek my support; rather, it is I who come to draw strength from you. The smiles I saw today on the faces of patients are thanks to your dedication. You are all planting seeds of hope. May God grant that you remain the guardian angels of these patients and of Lebanon as a whole.”

Mrs. Aoun reaffirmed her ongoing commitment to advancing women’s health and strengthening specialized care services for the benefit of patients and society. To mark the occasion, she was presented with a commemorative shield.

Five years have passed since the tragedy of August 4, 2020, and Hôtel-Dieu de France has once again reaffirmed its commitment to the memory of this painful tragedy by holding a moment of reflection and silence in tribute to the victims and in solidarity with their families.

A prayer was held at 3:00 PM in front of the hospital’s Emergency Department, a silent witness to the first moments of the catastrophe.

The commemoration featured a speech by the Chairman of the Board of Hôtel-Dieu de France and Rector of Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Professor Salim Daccache s.j., in the presence of the hospital’s medical, nursing, and administrative teams.

“Dear members of the medical, nursing, caregiving, administrative, and logistics staff of Hôtel-Dieu de France–Saint Joseph University,

Dear people of Beirut, city of scars and grace,
You who still hold onto the belief that light will outshine the shadows, and that truth will one day triumph over silence.

Today, we come together in the face of sorrow, in memory of the souls taken too soon on that tragic evening of August 4, 2020.

We are standing not only before the Emergency Department of this hospital, but also before the deep wound of a nation, before Beirut’s unending cry, before mothers seeking answers, and before children who grew up with the painful memory of fathers torn away in a moment of betrayal.

We gather today carrying a silence filled with prayer, a grief burdened with anger, and an unshakable faith in divine justice, human justice, and the justice of our homeland—Lebanon.

This explosion was neither fate nor a natural disaster. It was the result of chronic corruption, criminal negligence, hidden complicity in the halls of power, and an irresponsible silence that suffocated truth as it suffocated lives.

From here from this very place that received hundreds of wounded and victims—we raise a cry in the name of conscience:
Enough postponements of justice, enough manipulation of the investigation, enough suppression of the truth.

Five years have gone by, and no one has taken responsibility for this heinous crime.

Where is the truth? Where is the courage to judge those who caused this tragedy or stayed silent in the face of danger?

Today, we demand the immediate and full release of the judicial investigation.

We are in a new era, with a new president and a new government.

We call for complete transparency, free from political interference or sectarian pressure.

We demand a fair trial and rightful legal compensation for the families of the martyrs—not scattered donations, but rights granted with dignity, in recognition of those who paid with their lives for the State’s silence.

Beirut is not asking for pity Beirut is asking for justice.

And there will be no resurrection for Lebanon unless justice becomes the foundation of its rebuilding.

We want a country where crime is not rewarded with silence, where tragedy is not reduced to a passing commemoration.

We will not surrender our hearts to despair. We are children of faith, hope, and resurrection resurrection that comes after death, pain, and the cross.

Beirut, city of saints and martyrs, city of divine calling, will not die.
It will rise again, stronger than ever.

We still believe that every human being deserves life, dignity, and truth.

I bow in respect we bow in respect to the souls of the 262 martyrs of August 4, and I send my love and prayers to the wounded and their families.

I renew to them this promise:
We will never forget, and we will not give up until the truth is revealed and justice is delivered to its rightful heirs.

Let us come together in this pain, and turn it into a lasting commitment, into a noble messagefor Beirut and for Lebanon.”

As part of its public health mission and commitment to medical excellence, Hôtel-Dieu de France officially launched its new Medical Center in Antelias on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. This strategic opening reflects a clear intent to expand access to high-quality specialized care closer to patients.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Mr. Nassib Nasr, Director General of the USJ-HDF Hospital Network. Several medical and administrative leaders from Hôtel-Dieu de France also attended the event.

In his speech, Mr. Nassib Nasr stated:
"Today marks our first official visit to the new Antelias Medical Center, the first Hôtel-Dieu de France facility located outside the Achrafieh district. This center began operating on November 1, 2024. Since then, it has been fully equipped with modern infrastructure, staffed with trained nursing and administrative teams, and all physicians wishing to practice here have been duly registered.

The value of this center lies in its ability to facilitate access to care while relieving pressure and patient load at the main hospital, particularly for laboratory tests, medical examinations, and consultations. Given the current traffic challenges, this facility represents a major step forward in bringing medical services closer to patients, easing their travel burdens, and saving time and energy.

The opening of the Antelias Center marks the beginning of a broader project, with additional centers planned soon, including one in Damour. This will allow for better geographical coverage, from the north (Antelias) to the south (Damour) of Beirut. Such a strategy further strengthens Hôtel-Dieu de France’s position as a leading reference hospital, renowned for the quality of its care, its personnel, and its expertise.

The new Antelias Medical Center stands out with its modern, functional, and welcoming environment. It brings together medical expertise, advanced technology, and accessibility to provide patients with top-tier care, without straying far from their homes.

Hôtel-Dieu de France is proud of its collaboration with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, a cooperation that illustrates its commitment to promoting excellence in healthcare and training.

In this context, the Pharmacy Department of the CHU de Nice welcomed the team from the Pharmacy Department of the Hôtel-Dieu de France.

During the week, theoretical and practical training was organized around several key themes, including chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition and innovative drugs.

This partnership aims to enhance the skills of Hôtel-Dieu de France professionals and promote the sharing of expertise between hospital institutions.