Beirut: The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a global humanitarian organization based in Sharjah, has inaugurated the newly reconstructed and expanded Emergency and Trauma Unit at the Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre (SGHUMC) in Beirut.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project was funded by a US$2.36 million (AED8.7 million) contribution from TBHF's 'Salam Beirut' campaign. This reconstruction effort has revitalized facilities in Lebanon's oldest medical institution, which suffered severe damage during the catastrophic 2020 Beirut Port explosion. The inauguration marks a significant step in restoring critical healthcare access for thousands, highlighting the power of international solidarity in crisis response.
The reconstructed unit is now equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma care facilities, and a new pediatric section, allowing SGHUMC to operate at full capacity for the first time since the explosion. The facility is expected to serve over 40,000 patients annually, representing a major advancement in Beirut's healthcare capabilities.
The Port of Beirut explosion resulted in over 150 fatalities, thousands of injuries, and the displacement of nearly 300,000 residents. SGHUMC, a 147-year-old cornerstone of Lebanon's healthcare system, was among the hardest-hit institutions, sustaining extensive structural and operational damage.
In response to this tragedy, under the compassionate leadership of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of TBHF, the 'Salam Beirut' campaign was launched. This initiative raised over AED30 million to support recovery efforts, with the reconstruction of SGHUMC's Emergency and Trauma Centre being one of its major achievements.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures including His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi, Archbishop of Beirut and its Dependencies; Mariam Al Hammadi, Member of the Advisory Board of TBHF; Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF; Dr. Marwan Najjar, SGHUMC Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Salah Chouairi, SGHUMC Chief Medical Officer, along with other dignitaries from TBHF, SGHUMC, healthcare leaders, diplomats, and regional partners.
During the ceremony, Alya Al Musaiebi emphasized Sharjah's long-standing friendship with Lebanon, commending the resilience of its people. She stated, "This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and our Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride."
Dr. Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff and Head of the Emergency and Trauma Centre at SGHUMC, expressed immense pride in the rehabilitation and expansion of the unit. He highlighted the hospital's resilience, noting it was one of the most severely affected institutions by the explosion, yet managed to resume operations within two weeks via a temporary emergency unit. He credited the generous support of TBHF and the guidance of Sheikha Jawaher for the successful reopening of the advanced emergency unit.
Following the speeches and ribbon-cutting, guests were given a guided tour of the ERT Centre and watched a documentary showcasing the journey from devastation to renewal.