The American University of Cyprus, in partnership with the “Public Health Consultants” Foundation, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the “Public Health Pioneers” certificate program, with the aim of developing leadership skills in the field of public health.
During the ceremony, Minister of Public Health Rakan Nasser Al-Din delivered a speech in which he praised the graduates, emphasizing the important role they will play in leading the public health process in Lebanon, and stressing that primary health care is the basic pillar of any viable health system.
Nasser Al-Din explained that previous interest in hospitals contributed to increasing health costs, especially in light of high inflation rates, considering that the optimal investment lies in prevention and early detection, because they have a direct impact on improving community health and reducing costs in the medium and long term.
He also noted the major transformation made by the Ministry of Health in understanding and financing primary health care, indicating that after approving the budget, a financial ceiling was allocated to primary health care centers allowing them to provide their services without financial restrictions, in preparation for signing agreements with them, such as hospitals, based on the number of beneficiaries and the quality of services provided.
He also referred to full cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, describing the two ministries as “one ministry with two people,” within the framework of exchanging information and enhancing integration, especially in social care files and supporting the displaced in the south, with the aim of ensuring a more comprehensive and effective treatment of health and social challenges.
