19 December 2024, Beirut, Lebanon – Ahmad, a father of 3, recently faced a critical health crisis that nearly cost him his life. After experiencing sudden chest pains he was rushed to a private hospital where doctors discovered a 99% blockage in his left artery, a serious condition that could have been fatal without immediate intervention. The only solution was an urgent angioplasty to reopen the artery and restore blood flow.
The cost of the procedure was far beyond Ahmad’s means. With limited resources, he made the painful decision to leave the hospital without treatment, signing himself out against medical advice.
Recognizing the severity of his condition, a nurse informed a social worker from the lifesaving and limb-saving hospitalization programme about Ahmad’s case. The social worker contacted Ahmad and referred him to Rafik Hariri University Hospital, where he could receive the care he desperately needed.
The programme, which aims to help patients like Ahmad, provides critical medical services to the most vulnerable. It is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
Thanks to this programme, the cost of Ahmad's angioplasty was covered, and the procedure was successful. His recovery has brought renewed hope to him and his family. Reflecting on his experience, Ahmad expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I was losing hope, but they gave me a second chance.”
The lifesaving and limb-saving hospitalization project has become a vital resource for many patients who would otherwise face life-threatening conditions without access to critical care. By supporting public hospitals and alleviating the financial burden on families, the programme not only saves lives but restores hope and dignity to those in need.
