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Beirut, Lebanon: We Didn’t Just Receive Crates of Supplies, We Received Love

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Beirut, Lebanon:

We Didn’t Just Receive Crates of Supplies, We Received Love

Host:

Mohit Bhandari, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Editor-in-Chief, OrthoEvidence

Guest:

Dr. Fadi Zein El-Abidine
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Chief of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Najjar Hospital
Lebanon

PERSPECTIVES

Dr. Bhandari had a follow-up conversation with Dr. Zein El-Abidine about the devastating impact on people and hospitals caused by the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4, 2020 (Mass Casualties in Lebanon) and how the situation has evolved since then. Our discussion uncovered 3 core themes. These themes and their supporting insights are highlighted below.

1. The tragedy and challenges to hospitals

Dr. Zein El-Abidine said that the explosion at the port of Beirut was massive and destroyed the homes of over 300,000 people. About 5,300 adults and children were severely injured and at least 200 people died. About 90% of those who survived are taking antidepressants. Dr. Zein El-Abidine shared that 3 university hospitals were completely damaged and about 15 other hospitals experienced different levels of damage. Most of the hospitals’ healthcare supplies and medications stored at the port were also destroyed.

Really, whenever I remember it (the explosion) today, and at this moment, I just cry. Because it wasn't easy […] When I say injured (people), it's not only injury just like a small scratch. I'm talking about injuries that some people lost their eyes, their arms, their legs and their hands […] All the hospitals in the area were damaged […] In one minute, having all these five, six thousand persons coming to hospitals with all their injuries at one point, and the hospitals already were just totally or partially destroyed. It wasn't easy to have all these (happen) together.

Dr. Zein El-Abidine

2. Huge gratitude for the humanitarian support

Dr. Bhandari was particularly happy to know that the intended supplies through McMaster University and Rotary Club did reach Dr. Zein El-Abidine.

On behalf of the medical staff in Beirut, Dr. Zein El-Abidine expressed his sincere gratitude for the many groups that are supporting the hospitals and the people in need.

The (donated) goods reached me here, and my role was to give them (out). I was a messenger, and I gave them to the hospitals, Najjar (Hospital) and The Rosary Sisters (Hospital). They put them in the operating room. They thank you for all efforts, for what you did and thank you to all the colleagues who made this happen.

We found love inside. It wasn't only gloves; it wasn't only cover; it was just like we felt, ‘whenever you have someone in the family that needs something, you just give him what you have’. I really was impressed […] It was really filled with love. And like this humanitarian support […] it was people giving people, and giving with that love and support. This really means a lot for us.

Dr. Zein El-Abidine

3. Ongoing needs

Dr. Zein El-Abidine said that there has been a four to five hundred percent inflation in one year and money has lost its value in Lebanon. Thus currently, it is very difficult to afford new machines or spare parts to maintain the healthcare machines and tools in the hospitals.

Medical equipment and supplies including implants, plates, screws, nails, external fixators, prosthesis of all sizes, monitors, electrodes, electrocauteries, electrocardiogram (EKG) machines, imaging and anesthetic machines are still in great need.

It's clear to me, from your statements today, that we are far from ‘back-to-normal’. We should be also remembering that we have many, many friends in all parts of the world who need our help. We are far from a point of success. And this follow-up Orthopod is just a small reminder to connect you to the people who I think genuinely wish the best and have done a lot for our colleagues and friends in Beirut.

Dr. Bhandari

Questions and Answers:

Dr. Bhandari: Have you been able to rebuild in the hospital? Are there sections still blocked off because they've been so badly damaged?

Dr. Zein El-Abidine: Najjar Hospital that I work with is fine now, after some rebuilding, because there was no internal damage. But the Rosary Sisters Hospital was totally destroyed and they had to stop totally. Now the hospital is open again in the operating room and one-day surgery, because they fixed one floor. But the remaining nine floors are totally destroyed. The destruction is massive.

Dr. Bhandari: Are there any barriers for the supplies to be received by you after they land in Beirut and what are they?

Dr. Zein El-Abidine: It took time and was very difficult. The police need to check several things: who is taking them, where and how they are going, where they are distributed to, who is the agent, and so on. They want to make sure that these goods go to hospitals wherever they are intended to go, not to be sold in the market.

SENSE-MAKING

Dr. Zein El-Abidine shared updates on the rebuilding of hospital facilities after the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon in early August. He expressed sincere gratitude for the healthcare supplies received through the humanitarian efforts. There is still a significant need for orthopaedic supplies to care for the injured patients.

How to Cite:

Fadi Zein El-Abidine. Beirut, Lebanon: We Didn’t Just Receive Crates of Supplies, We Received Love. OE Perspectives. 2020; 1(7):2.

https://myorthoevidence.com/Podcast/Show/88

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Beirut, Lebanon: We Didn’t Just Receive Crates of Supplies, We Received Love

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