AUB returns to Mount Lebanon through KMC

Khuri: A Bold Move, and Frem: We Want to Thrive, Not Merely Survive

To reaffirm the return of providing the best and most advanced healthcare services to the community by the American University of Beirut (AUB) through the Keserwan Medical Center (KMC), the curtain was lifted on the restructuring and equipping of KMC, which is nowadays directly linked to the AUB.

 The event was attended by Chairman of “Project Watan’s” Executive Board, Deputy Neemat Frem, MPs Nada Boustani, Salim Sayegh, Farid Al-Khazen, Simon Abi Ramia, and Raed Berro, along with Director General of the Presidency of the Republic, Dr. Antoine Choucair, Mr. Antoine Jbayli representing the head of the Lebanese Forces Party, Samir Geagea, the coordinator of the Lebanese Forces Party in Keserwan representing Deputy Shawki Daccache, and Mayor of Ghazir Lawyer Charles Haddad, alongside members of the municipal council and the mukhtars. Also present were a panel of doctors from the American University and KMC, notably AUB president Dr. Fadlo Khuri and General Manager of AUBMC and KMC Joseph Otayek, as well as a large crowd from Jounieh and Jbeil’s medical community.

Dr. Khuri

In his welcome speech, AUB president and KMC chairman, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, stated that “the American University has made a bold move by acquiring Ghazir’s hospital amidst the economic crisis.”

He highlighted that this decision is driven by “faith in and attachment to Lebanon,” asserting that “it is our right and duty to establish a major branch [of AUBMC] in Mount Lebanon to serve Keserwan, Jbeil, Beirut, Metn, Chouf, and Aley, and expand our capacity to assist the Lebanese people. KMC will be integrated with the Beirut hospital, maintaining the same medical standards.”

Dr. Khuri emphasized that “the American University Hospital is Lebanon’s oldest medical institution, established even before the proclamation of Greater Lebanon.” He stressed that “while this hospital has all the necessary capabilities, we aim to attract human talent, with plans to introduce dentistry and radiotherapy services, among others, in the coming months.”

He concluded: “Though challenging times are ahead, we remain optimistic, thanks to our outstanding and skilled medical team. Thus, we assure you that the Keserwan Medical Center will evolve into the American University Hospital.”

Frem

In turn, the Chairman of “Project Watan’s” Executive Board, Deputy Neemat Frem, said: “On behalf of my fellow MPs and every citizen in Keserwan, we awaited the American University to ‘cross the Nahr el Kalb tunnel,’ which it did through the Off Campus Program (OCP), where I was a student, like many of those present here today. We are grateful for the university’s contribution to Lebanon over the past 120 years.”

Frem explained the AUB’s motto – “That they may have life and have it more abundantly” – and stressed the importance of embodying it. “We do not want to merely survive in Lebanon today; we want to thrive and live life to the fullest. This means embracing creativity, knowledge, brilliance, and the love of life in every aspect,” he explained.

He added: “We believe the AUB is embodying this ethos, and it is why we are here today. As MPs of Keserwan-Jbeil and representatives of the community, we pledge our support and commitment to walk this path together.”

Frem continued: “Let us examine the number of schools, universities, and hospitals in Keserwan. I salute all hospitals in the region. Together, we have witnessed both the good and the bad days, from Our Lady of Lebanon Hospital to Saint Georges, the Bouar Government Hospital, Saint Louis, and most recently, Saint John. These hospitals have consistently provided the best healthcare services, and I am confident they will cooperate with AUB, ensuring complementarity to fulfill their mission.”

Regarding Lebanon and Keserwan’s mission, Frem said: “Recent years in Lebanon have been unacceptable. We ought to be a symbol of excellence, and a great deal is expected from us. Keserwan Medical Center in Ghazir epitomizes AUB’s outstanding services; it is sealed with AUB’s excellence. This marks a new phase for Keserwan and we will meet you halfway. We will consider KMC a medical research center as well, and we have numerous projects to suggest, given the significant medical advancements today, where an idea quickly becomes a project that, in turn, saves lives and creates job opportunities. This is Keserwan’s mission for the third millennium and Mount Lebanon’s bicentennial. Keserwan will reclaim its historical role, and we will accept nothing less.”

Frem concluded: “I extend my gratitude to Professor Fadlo Khuri, President of the American University, and the AUB team. I recall the pioneers who laid the foundation of this prestigious institution in Lebanon 120 years ago, envisioning a mission to give the gift of life. Is there a more beautiful message for another community? My wish is that we can instill the same positive energy in future generations as we derive from AUB’s message.”

The event ended with attendees touring various departments and floors of Keserwan Medical Center, inspecting the modern equipment and receiving briefings on current and future prospects.