The Lebanese University, represented by its President, Dr. Bassam Badran, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, represented by its President, Dr. Boutros Yared, regarding the strengthening of cooperation between the academic sector and the private hospital sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by MP Wael Abou Faour, accompanied by Dr. Walid Safi, the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Dr. Elie Hadchiti, a number of deans from LU faculties and institutes and the directors of the Faculty of Public Health’s branches.

The MoU aims to establish a framework for cooperation between the two parties in areas of mutual interest, thereby contributing to the development and enhancement of practical training for students in private hospitals, promoting scientific research and professional training, and helping to improve the quality of performance and the delivery of health services in a manner that serves shared scientific interests.

President Badran delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the signing of this MoU is a national event that reinforces the principle of integration between the national academic institution and the private hospital sector, and reaffirms that science and practice are inseparable but rather mutually reinforcing in serving humanity and society.

President Badran noted that this memorandum opens doors to practical and clinical training for our students, providing them with hands-on experience that enhances their readiness to join the workforce with competence and responsibility. It also enables both parties to develop joint training programs, organize conferences and seminars, and encourage scientific research that serves citizens’ health and supports innovation in the healthcare sector.

He added: “The Lebanese University, as the nation’s flagship university, views this collaboration as a commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare and to building strong bridges between the academic community and the private healthcare sector, thereby consolidating Lebanon's position as a center of science, knowledge, and advanced medicine.”

President Badran emphasized that this partnership is not merely an administrative agreement, but rather a national mission that embodies a vision for Lebanon’s future, where higher education meets the needs of society and the student becomes the focus of development, scientific research a tool for advancement, and the private healthcare sector a partner in human development and the preservation of human dignity. It is also a call for joint action and a belief that Lebanon’s future in health and education depends on our ability to cooperate and integrate.

In conclusion, President Badran thanked MP Wael Abou Faour, who closely follows the development of the university’s branches—particularly in Rachaya—and who took the initiative to launch this collaboration, from which all branches of the Faculty of Public Health will benefit, especially Branch 7 in Rachaya.

He also extended his thanks to the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon and to its President, Dr. Boutros Yared, for their spirit of cooperation and openness, as well as to his colleagues at the Faculty of Public Health for their tireless efforts, emphasizing that the Lebanese University will remain faithful to its mission: as a cradle of knowledge, a catalyst for development, and a bridge for integration between academia and society.

Following that, Dr. Yard recalled his career at the Lebanese University as a professor and dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, emphasizing that, through the syndicate, he continues the national university mission of openness to all regions and communities.

Dr. Yared underscored the importance of the role of hospitals in both the public and private sectors and the successful response to COVID-19 pandemic in this context, also highlighting the high standards of LU faculties of Medical Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy, and Science.

MP Abou Faour highlighted the importance of implementing educational democracy and promoting opportunities for peripheral regions in this context.

He also noted that the Lebanese University has been unfairly treated by the government and expressed his hope for a shift in mindset toward this national institution, calling for it to be embraced without narrow financial considerations.

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