On the 24th of April 2010, at 11:30am, under the patronage of Mr. Nabih Berri, the Inauguration of the New Al Fanar Hospital rehabilitated within the project “rehabilitation and support actions for Al Fanar psychiatric hospital in Zahrani” funded by the Cooperation Office of the Embassy of Italy in Beirut in the framework of the ROSS Emergency program took place.
The ceremony was held at the hospital. People attending included: his excellency the ambassador of Italy Mr. Gabriel Kekia. The Lebanese minister of health Dr. Mohammad Khalifeh. Deputy Yasin Jaber. Deputy Abdel Latif el Zein. A representative on the behalf of Mrs Randa Berri. Maha Jibayi representing Deputy Bahia Hariri. And several local personalities.
The ceremony celebrated the opening of the hospital after an entire refurbishing project funded by the Italian Corporation.
Speeches were given by Dr. Samar Labban ( clinical director and vice president of the hospital). Mrs Adela Dajjani ( president of the hospital). Mr. Enrico Adzione ( president of the Ngo Ctm, responsible for implementing the project). A patient. The minister of health Dr.Khalifeh and the Italian ambassador Mr. Gabriel Kekia.
Before and after pictures were shown and a tour of the hospital was given to all those present.
Al Fanar Hospital, a neuropsychiatric institution in Zahrani, Southern Lebanon, was established in 1964 by Dr. Abdel Rahman LABBAN, Psychiatrist, former World Health Organization delegate to the Middle East, former Lebanese Minister of Work and Social Affairs.
Al Fanar Hospital is a non profit Institution. It treats an average of 1.500 patients per year and is constantly occupied by 250 live-in patients. The patients suffer from various psychiatric disorders and all belong to the less advantaged socio-economic class, and therefore cannot afford to pay for private treatment.
