In line with its continuous training activities, the Lebanese German University – LGU, in collaboration with Notre Dame du Liban Hospital that seeks to encourage continuous learning in the medical field, organized the « 1st Conference on Fighting Infections Related to Healthcare » on 10, 11, and 12 September at its campus in Sahel Alma under the patronage of Professor Antoine Boustany, President of the Order of Physicians in Lebanon, Beirut.
The inauguration was held on September 10 in the presence of renowned figures representing General Michel Aoun, Dr. and Mrs. Samir Geagea, Minister of Justice General Ashraf Rifi, Commander in Chief of the Lebanese Army General Jean Kahwaji, Director General of CNSS Mr. Mohamad Karaki, and a large audience from various professional and medical sectors.
Following a welcome note by Dr. Faouzi Adaimi, President of Notre Dame du Liban Hospital and the Lebanese German University, who wished all participants a successful event, Dr. Jacques Choucair, President of the Conference, explained that bacterial resistance is an essential factor to the survival of living creatures.
In turn, Dr. Antoine Boustany noted that up to 15% of patients receiving emergency care are affected by infections related to such care. This is due to various factors relating to adherence to the required standards, awareness of and implementation of prevention programs, and patients’ and guests unsafe behavior in hospitals. Therefore, the need to organize awareness campaigns and conferences involving both doctors and patients is crucial.
Dr. Nohad Yazbek Doumit, President of the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, praised the efforts undertaken by hospitals to provide continuous training to their nursing personnel and medical staff, pointing out that such steps would result in better medical care provided to patients, a boost of caregivers’ skills, a decrease in mortality rate, and a cut in hospital expenditures.
Dr. Rabih Hassouneh, President of the Order of Pharmacists in Lebanon, reminded the audience that clinical pharmacists are important in raising awareness among patients and in being part of the medical team. Moreover, he stressed the importance of holding conferences to keep the involved parties updated with the latest developments in the medical field, exchange knowledge, and validate conclusions.
Finally, Dr. Sleiman Haroun, President of the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, praised all hospitals that convey a positive image of medical tourism in Lebanon.
The scientific days took place on 11 and 12 September during which renowned Lebanese, French, and Tunisian doctors, as well as pharmacists and qualified nurses in hospital hygiene contributed talks in front of a varied audience. Among the discussed subjects were: the dilemma of pre-op bacterial infection, the latest in the treatment of viral hepatitis, pneumonia associated to automated breathing, geriatric and infectious approach in nursing homes, deep mycoses, synergic anti-biotherapy, the latest in the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV, profiles of tuberculosis resistance in Lebanon, the prevention and treatment of eschars, caesarian and anti-bio-prophylaxis, the prevention of surgical infections.
The event was a complete success which made organizers look forward to further conferences touching upon matters of interest in the medical field.