185:, vice president of the Future Movement, clarified that Abiad is not politically active and has no formal affiliation with the party, expressing confidence that he would not use his ministry for political ends. Upon taking charge of RHUH in 2015, Abiad faced significant political pressures and a financially distressed institution, with sources close to him noting his commitment to resisting politically motivated hiring. Imad Chokr, a pediatrician at RHUH, emphasized Abiad's independence and ability to make objective decisions.
192:. The hospital was the first in Lebanon to treat COVID-19 patients in the initial four months after the first case was confirmed on February 21, 2020. It became a key reference point in the pandemic, adapting its healthcare capacity as needed. Despite its previous struggles, the hospital achieved a remarkable recovery attributed to Abiad's leadership and support. He actively used social media to inform the public about the pandemic and
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parties according to traditional quota-sharing practices. Robert Sacy, head of pediatrics and neonatology at
Karantina public hospital, noted that political parties typically appoint individuals to manage government hospitals based on political affiliation rather than qualifications. While some view
217:. However, opinions among staff were mixed. Bassam Akoum, head of the medical personnel committee, criticized Abiad for neglecting employee welfare amid ongoing wage disputes that led to frequent strikes, while acknowledging the hospital's dire condition upon his arrival.
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at the
American University of Beirut Medical Center and a professor, a position he still held as of October 2021. He worked as a consultant the General Surgery Department at the Specialized Medical Center Hospital between 2001 and 2011.
181:, his associates contend that he is an exception in this politicized context. Hariri sought to appoint Abiad as health minister during cabinet formation attempts between October 2020 and July 2021.
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Abiad received the title of "2020's Man of the Year" from the Arab
Hospitals Federation (AHF), an independent, non-political NGO composed of nearly 500 members from 22 countries in the region.
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In 2021, Abiad assumed the role of
Minister of Public Health during a time of severe deterioration in the Lebanese healthcare system, facing challenges such as medicine shortages, a
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politician and doctor who has been
Minister of Health since 10 September 2021. Abiad has been considered the voice of the Lebanese health sector since the outbreak of the
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213:. Under Abiad, the hospital modernized its facilities and significantly reduced its deficit by 2019, which facilitated a 20 million euro donation from the
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highlighted that it is unusual for a private institution to recognize a government hospital, which often faces criticism due to resource shortages.
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delegation in
Lebanon, lauded Abiad for successfully leading a partnership between RHUH and the ICRC to support vulnerable populations, including
168:(RHUH), Lebanon's largest public hospital. These institutions are often influenced by political factors, with management councils appointed by
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at the
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of qualified personnel, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Abiad gained recognition for his management of the hospital during the
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In 2015, Abiad was appointed chairman of the board of directors of
401:"الوكالة الوطنية للإعلام – السيرة الذاتية لوزير الصحة فراس الابيض"
350:"Who Is Firass Abyad, Lebanon's New Minister Of Health"
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from the
American University of Beirut in 1993, and a
291:"Who's in Lebanon's new government? – L'Orient Today"
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Abiad has pursued an academic career that spans the
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264:"Line-Up of Najib Miqati's Government Announced"
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152:. He returned to Beirut in 2010, becoming a
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235:Abiad is married to Ghina Ghaziri, an
205:Christophe Martin, former head of the
105:(Arabic: فراس الأبيض; born 1970) is a
374:"Who is in the new Lebanese Cabinet?"
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327:Sader, Marie Jo (October 13, 2021).
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329:"Can Firass Abiad heal Lebanon?"
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16:Lebanese politician and doctor
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126:American University of Beirut
403:. 2021-09-13. Archived from
194:healthcare crises in Lebanon
442:Health ministers of Lebanon
348:Nasr, Nataly (2021-09-11).
121:Abiad was born in London.
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237:obstetrician gynecologist
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299:. September 10, 2021.
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382:. September 10, 2021
452:Lebanese physicians
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190:COVID-19 pandemic
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432:1970 births
225:brain drain
179:Saad Hariri
44:Hamad Hasan
39:Preceded by
29:فراس الأبيض
426:Categories
411:2024-09-20
386:2024-09-20
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250:References
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