Lebanon has a long history of excellence in the healthcare sector, known for the quality of its medical services, efficient hospitals, and skilled physicians. In the early 20th century, Lebanon was a center for medical education, hosting major medical colleges in the Middle East, such as the American University of Beirut and Saint Joseph University. These institutions served as safe havens for patients from Europe and the Arab Gulf.

However, Lebanon’s healthcare sector has experienced significant deterioration amidst the economic and political crisis, the 2020 Beirut explosion, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and cholera outbreak. These factors have strained the healthcare system to its maximum capacity, depriving the most vulnerable populations of essential healthcare.

To address gaps and deficiencies in the healthcare sector and ensure individuals’ right to basic healthcare, the Ihab Matar Development Group has launched several initiatives within the healthcare sector: