Khalil in Nabih Berry Government Hospital inauguration

Under the auspices of President of the Republic, General Michel Sleiman, represented by Caretaking Public Health Minister, Ali Hasan Khalil, the newly-established sections of "Nabih Berry Government Hospital" in Nabatiyeh, South Lebanon, were inaugurated on Saturday. A number of prominent political figures attended the inaugural ceremony. In his inaugural speech on behalf of the President, Khalil indicated that amidst all challenges facing the country at this juncture comes the celebration of such a remarkable project that caters to people's health needs. Khalil voiced commitment to ensuring the necessary financial rooftop for the newly established Hospital sections, despite cabinet resignation. He added that Lebanon, in spite of all its challenges and difficult times, has always succeeded in overcoming its numerous crises, and rising anew. Khalil urged all political sides and leaders to preserve the country's internal security and civil peace. He highlighted the necessity of focusing on the role of the state and its institutions and apparatuses in practicing full responsibility towards citizens' safety, protection, rights and needs. He stressed herein the need to rally around and support the Lebanese Army, being the sole central institution capable of reassuring citizens of their security situation. He also called for paving the way for responsible political dialogue and deliberations that would lead to understandings over all issues of dispute. In turn, in his word on behalf of Nabatiyeh Deputies, MP Mohamad Raad considered it the right of each citizen to proper health care and hospitalization. Unfortunately however, he noted that developmental services in Lebanon still vary in accordance with circumstances and arising incidents, as per each phase and level of stability or clashes in the country and its surroundings. Raad went on to consider that in a country such as Lebanon, governments yield not stability; instead, national consensus provides a founding factor for the necessary ambience needed for all governments to function properly. Hence, in the absence of national agreement, matters of state and rule can never be rectified, Raad noted. He added that with certain sides resorting to outside powers, complications in the country elevate and all national efforts aiming at building the state and securing stability for its institutions are stalled. "Lebanon can only be built and protected by honorable and liberal men of State, who are never taken by positions or personal interests nor compromise their national constants and citizens' welfare," added Raad.