Beirut, October 05 (QNA) - HE Lebanon's Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine highlighted the depth of the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and Lebanon, praising Qatar's leadership in the health sector.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Lebanese Health Minister affirmed that the relations between the two countries date back many years and are based on a shared commitment to supporting and developing them in various fields.

His Excellency praised the significant development witnessed by the State of Qatar across various sectors, particularly in the health field, noting that Qatar represents an advanced model to be emulated in integrated healthcare systems both regionally and internationally.

He stressed Qatar's steadfast support for Lebanon and its continued assistance, especially in the health sector, highlighting the ongoing cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development in the reconstruction of Karantina Hospital.

He explained that Qatar's support for the Lebanese health sector has been present throughout various stages -- starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, through the Beirut Port explosion, and up to the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon -- affirming that this continuous support reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries.

HE the Minister also referred to his recent visit to Doha to participate in the 6th Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health, noting the meetings he held with several officials from Qatar Charity, the Qatar Cancer Society, the Qatar Fund for Development, and the Qatar Red Crescent, during which ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health and humanitarian fields were discussed.

Dr. Nassereddine expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for its continued support to Lebanon, affirming his country's readiness to strengthen health cooperation and exchange expertise, particularly in crisis response and in dealing with injuries resulting from disasters and wars.

He emphasized the importance of Arab partnerships, including with Qatar, to support Lebanon's health sector, which suffers from limited resources but at the same time boasts highly qualified and skilled professionals.

He revealed an improvement in healthcare coverage for patients under the supervision of the Lebanese Ministry of Health, through the expansion of medication protocols -- especially for cancer treatment -- along with the gradual inclusion of kidney transplants and heart valve procedures, in addition to enhancing mental health support, particularly for chronic cases.

HE the Minister of Public Health pointed out that the ministry's 2024 budget amounted to around $445 million, while the 2025 budget is approximately $480 million, noting that more than $200 million of this amount is allocated to hospital care. (QNA)