Philips Foundation, in collaboration with Philips Middle East, supports the Lebanese Red Cross in their fight against COVID-19 by strengthening local emergency care facilities.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 01, 2020:   Philips Foundation, which aims to provide access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities, together with Philips Middle East today announced to provide medical equipment to the Lebanese Red Cross towards the prevention, monitoring and treatment of conditions caused by COVID-19. The donated equipment is an answer to the critical need to address healthcare challenges in the most affected regions in Lebanon.

Through this contribution, the Lebanese Red Cross is able to equip its centers in Lebanon with mobile tele-ultrasound devices and defibrillators. Ultrasound devices can be used in a variety of environments, including emergency services such as ambulances and makeshift hospitals, to detect and monitor disease progression, by scanning for lung abnormalities consistent with COVID-19 imaging markers, or possible cardiac complications. This way, frontline healthcare workers are able to fast track patients contracted by the virus and provide them with better care. The medical devices will go towards emergency care facilities across the country to strengthen response mechanisms and address the COVID-19 crisis where it’s most needed.

“Pulling together with Philips Middle East and Philips Foundation to make an impact is vital in these unprecedented times,” says Mr. Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross. “We have always aimed to improve health, prevent disease, and alleviate the suffering of all people through rehabilitation and solidarity programs. We are grateful to the Philips Foundation and Philips for supporting us and helping us continue our mission.’’ 
The Lebanese Red Cross National Society is a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Led by volunteers, auxiliary to the authorities in the country, leading in Emergency Medical Services and Blood Transfusion Services. 

“At Philips, as a leading health technology company,  we see ourselves as a partner, to support health systems and to improve people’s health,” said Ozlem Fidanci, CEO Middle East and Turkey, Philips. “Together with the Philips Foundation, we are making an important contribution in the fight against COVID-19 in Lebanon. We believe collaboration with the Lebanese Red Cross Society will help the larger community of Lebanon in accelerating access to critical care for the people who need it the most.’’she added.

The efforts both Philips and the Philips Foundation are making in Lebanon joined other initiatives to support healthcare institutions and limit the effects of COVID-19.