In August 2020, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, was struck by a major disaster: An explosion at a fireworks storage facility triggered a further severe explosion involving 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that was stored nearby. The explosion destroyed large parts of the port and caused damage to a large part of the city. According to the Lebanese government, at least 190 people were killed and more than 6500 injured. Hospitals were also affected by the disaster. Eight hospitals were severely damaged during the explosion, and two were almost completely destroyed. To support the severely hit medical infrastructure in the city in the medium and long term during reconstruction, SIMEON Medical is now donating several complete lighting systems for operating rooms, including shipping, installation and on-site commissioning.

Social responsibility at a local level

"We have been present in Beirut with our own subsidiary since 2017. This naturally obliges us to provide help on the ground," explained Dr. Markus Keussen, Managing Director of SIMEON Medical. In the aftermath of the explosion, experts from S.I.M.E.O.N. Medical MEA in Beirut worked together with local health officials to evaluate options for providing assistance . "We had to wait until the infrastructure in the affected clinics was restored so that our lights could be installed. So our relief work is primarily aimed at helping local medical staff to provide post-operative care in the medium and long term and to help them to be able to work professionally," Keussen elaborated.

Selection of recipients

SIMEON selected the hospitals to be supplied with the lighting systems in close consultation with the local representative. Special focus was placed on the clinics directly affected by the explosion. "We also selected clinics that play an important role in the Corona pandemic response," continued Keussen. In addition, SIMEON also supports clinics in the Middle East and in Africa that play an important role in the education and training of medical professionals.

Total donation

SIMEON donates lighting systems to 21 clinics in Beirut. "Our office in Beirut takes care of the installation and commissioning of the systems together with our local partner. This allows us to guarantee quality and functionality," added Keussen.