A cooperation and exchange agreement in all medical and scientific fields was concluded in Paris between Foch hospital, one of France's most prestigious establishments represented by the then Chairman, Mr. Philippe Cottard and the Levant Clinic represented by its CEO Dr. Antoine Maalouf.
The partnership agreement is aimed at increasing the level of exchange between both establishments, providing patients with the services of the most qualified specialists and investing in telemedicine, hence allowing practitioners from both hospitals to gain hands-on experience.
"Our goal is to transform Lebanon into a hub for health tourism in the region"
Dr. Antoine Maalouf
As it wished to tighten the relationship between the member states of the International Organization of la Francophonie (IOF) and to wisely invest in IT and modern technology, hence serving better the community, the Clinic celebrated the twinning agreement in presence of State Minister Jean Ogassapian representing H.E. President Michel Sleiman, Doctor Bahij Arbid representing H.E the Minister of Health Mohammad Jawad Khalife, with the participation of a French delegation composed of H.E M. Eric Besson, French Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Mutually-Supportive Development, Mr. Michel Hanoun representing H.E Mrs. Roselyne Bachot, Minister of Health, M.P Dr. Elie Abboud, of Lebanese origins, representing H.E. Mr. Jean-Francois Cope, President of the UMP group at the National Assembly, Mr. Philippe Ritter, Chairman of Foch Hospital in Paris and Professor Jean-Marc Ayoubi, Chairman of the Franco-Lebanese Medical Association.
The ceremony was held at the Clinic auditorium in presence of H.E the French Ambassador in Lebanon Mr. Denis Pietton, H.E the Kuwaiti Ambassador in Lebanon Mr. Abdel Aal Al Qinahi, Dr. Charaf Abou Charaf President of the Lebanese Order of Physicians and Mr. Georges Aftimos the former president of the Order in addition to a prestigious audience of physicians.
In his opening speech, CEO Dr. Antoine Maalouf stressed on Lebanon's role as a member state of the International Organization of la Francophonie (IOF), and on the Clinic's keenness to maintain cultural, civilizational and scientific interaction between France and Lebanon, hence emphasizing the Clinic's pledge to developing its capacities and medical services in collaboration with Foch Hospital.
He underlined as well that this twinning can only be beneficial to the Lebanese hospital sector as it contributes to promoting the role of the said sector, therefore introducing Lebanon to hospital tourism, imposing him as a service hub, and deterring all Arab tourists from seeking healthcare services elsewhere. This endeavor emphasizes the cooperation between Lebanon and France especially as it inaugurates an ambitious long term Mediterranean cooperation project that is dear to the heart of both the Lebanese and the French and that establishes the pioneer role Lebanon plays in the Middle East.
Philippe Ritter, Chairman of Foch Hospital
"It is an opportunity of mutual enrichment which shall translate into concrete results and contribute to maintaining historic relationships between France and Lebanon"
"The future of our association…a sincere wish of prosperity"