The Big Heart Foundation Opens Reconstructed Emergency And Trauma Unit At Saint George Hospital In Beirut

The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a humanitarian organisation in Sharjah, has reopened the Emergency and Trauma Unit at Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre (SGHUMC) in Beirut. This project was made possible by TBHF's "Salam Beirut" campaign, which contributed US$2.36 million (AED8.7 million). The hospital, Lebanon's oldest medical institution, was severely damaged in the 2020 Beirut Port explosion.

The newly refurbished unit is now equipped with modern medical technology and expanded facilities, including a new paediatric section. This upgrade allows SGHUMC to function at full capacity for the first time since the explosion. The facility is expected to serve over 40,000 patients each year, significantly enhancing Beirut’s healthcare infrastructure.

The 2020 explosion at the Port of Beirut resulted in over 150 fatalities and thousands of injuries, displacing nearly 300,000 people. SGHUMC, a key part of Lebanon's healthcare system for 147 years, was among the institutions most affected by this disaster. It suffered extensive structural damage that disrupted its operations.

Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of TBHF and UNHCR’s first Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, Sharjah responded swiftly. The "Salam Beirut" campaign raised over AED30 million to support recovery efforts. Reconstructing SGHUMC’s Emergency and Trauma Centre has been one of its significant achievements.

The inauguration ceremony saw attendance from notable figures such as His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi, Archbishop of Beirut; Mariam Al Hammadi from TBHF; Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF; Dr. Marwan Najjar, CEO of SGHUMC; and Dr. Salah Chouairi, Chief Medical Officer at SGHUMC. Other dignitaries included healthcare leaders and regional partners.

Alya Al Musaiebi highlighted Sharjah’s enduring friendship with Lebanon during her speech at the event. She stated: "This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah...to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride."

Commitment to Long-term Humanitarian Work

Al Musaiebi further emphasised that the reconstructed ERT Centre symbolises TBHF's commitment to meaningful humanitarian work grounded in dignity. "The devastation caused by the Port of Beirut explosion was not just structural—it was deeply human," she said. "Our response through 'Salam Beirut' was committed to investing in systems that give people back not just services but stability and self-worth."

Dr. Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff at Saint George University Hospital, expressed pride in reopening the unit: "The rehabilitation...marks a moment of great pride for everyone at Saint George University Hospital." He noted that despite severe damage from the explosion leading to a complete shutdown for the first time since 1878, operations resumed within two weeks through a temporary unit.

Restoring Hope Through Reconstruction

Dr. Wehbe acknowledged TBHF's support under Sheikha Jawaher's guidance: "Today...we inaugurate a fully developed and advanced emergency unit equipped to the highest medical standards—ready to resume its vital role in serving over 40,000 patients annually." He added that this project represents more than rebuilding; it restores hope to Beirut’s residents.

Following speeches and ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the inauguration event, guests toured the ERT Centre and watched a documentary detailing its journey from devastation to renewal.

With inputs from WAM