Health Minister capitalizes on mental health crisis in Lebanon amid ongoing crises

The non-governmental organization IDRAAC on Friday held a conference titled 'Where Are We Now? Mental Health in Lebanon After Multiple Crises' at Saint George University Theatre in Ashrafieh, under the patronage of caretaker Health Minister Dr. Firas Abiad. The event gathered mental health professionals, including Saint George University President Dr. Tarek Mitri, Saint George Hospital Director Dr. Marwan Najjar, and IDRAAC President Prof. Elie Karam. In his address, Minister Abiad acknowledged Lebanon's resilience but noted, "Repeated crises gradually erode this resilience." He emphasized that the growing importance of mental health is inevitable as crises multiply, stating, "We all know someone whose mental health has deteriorated due to the daily pressures we face." Abiad expressed relief at the cabinet's recent approval of new hospital rates, particularly for facilities focused on mental health. Moreover, the Health Minister highlighted the public-private partnerships between the Ministry of Health a nd local and international organizations, such as IDRAAC, as vital to providing necessary services amid resource shortages. "Studies like those conducted by IDRAAC ensure effective resource allocation, despite scarcity," Abiad said, calling for collaboration to deliver quality care at minimal cost. Source: National news agency - Lebanon