
Who is Rakan Nassereddine, Lebanon's New Minister of Public Health
He obtained a Ph.D. in infectious diseases after years of academic excellence, and then completed his advanced studies in infectious diseases, becoming one of the leading specialists in this field in Lebanon and the Arab region.
Rakan Nassereddine's Medical Career:
From the early stages of his career, Rakan Nassereddine worked in the field of medicine, specializing in infectious diseases. He served as an academic physician at the American University of Beirut and contributed to several important scientific research studies focused on the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Rakan Nassereddine distinguished himself by providing healthcare to patients with complex and difficult cases. He also played a significant role in mentoring new physicians and participated in numerous local and international scientific conferences.
Rakan Nassereddine's Research and Academic Contributions:
Rakan Nassereddine is an active member of the academic medical community, with several scientific contributions related to infectious diseases. His research emphasized the importance of continuous studies in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, especially those related to epidemics like influenza and emerging viruses.
He was also one of the scientists who called for enhanced coordination between international and local health institutions to combat epidemic diseases. His academic approach is distinguished by the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience in handling medical cases.
Rakan also has a strategic vision for improving the healthcare system in Lebanon, including enhancing healthcare services and developing preventive programs to face future health challenges.

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L'Orient-Le Jour
6 days ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Private hospitals ask for State help
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L'Orient-Le Jour
17-07-2025
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Pharma M denies Probiolife safety allegations
Nearly two weeks after a televised investigation raised concerns about alleged unsafe manufacturing practices at the facility producing Probiolife, local supplement maker Pharma M S.A.L. has issued a statement rejecting the claims targeting the company as 'defamatory' and 'misleading.' The company's response, published Thursday, accuses unnamed competitors of orchestrating a media campaign to damage its reputation and warns of legal action against those spreading what it calls false information. In the televised investigative report earlier in July ignited controversy over the safety and quality standards of pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing in the country, prompting a response from the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Lebanon (SPIL) the next day, which stated that it supported investigations into any possible violations. It spotlighted troubling conditions at a Lebanese factory producing Probiolife, a probiotic supplement marketed for digestive issues such as IBS, diarrhea and gut inflammation. The report alleged that the product is being packaged in "unsanitary, primitive conditions," lacking proper stabilizers, sterilization procedures or regular oversight from the Public Health Ministry. Company subject to 'regular inspections' Pharma M stated in its announcement on Thursday that "the company affirms its full commitment to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, especially those issued by the Lebanese Public Health Ministry and other relevant regulatory bodies, with respect to the manufacturing and packaging of nutritional and health supplements." Pharma M also insisted that the company is regularly and systematically "subject to inspection and oversight, and it fully adheres to all approved health and technical standards, including quality assurance, general hygiene and the safety of raw materials used." Although Probiolife is officially registered with the Sanitary Engineering Department and is currently being tested in a clinical trial for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), lab results and footage presented suggested that consumers may be unknowingly exposed to mislabeled or contaminated doses, an accusation that Pharma M categorically denied. 'Products are safe, effective and fully compliant' The Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Lebanon (SPIL) stated that it supported investigations into any possible violations. The syndicate also emphasized that Lebanese pharmaceutical factories 'operate according to the highest internationally recognized Good Manufacturing Practice [GMP] standards and are periodically subject to oversight by the competent authorities, both locally and internationally.' While affirming its respect for media scrutiny, SPIL called on journalists to consult with relevant authorities before implicating the pharmaceutical sector as a whole. 'We hope that all media outlets will communicate with the relevant authorities ... to obtain clarification before discussing the pharmaceutical industry as a whole in news reports and casting doubt on the quality of the sector's activity,' the statement read. Pharma M assured its consumers "that all of its products are safe, effective and fully compliant with all applicable standards and specifications. All raw materials used in production are exclusively imported from leading global manufacturers who hold internationally recognized certifications. The company urges the public to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to malicious rumors that lack any reliable scientific evidence. Pharma M also reaffirms its full openness and willingness to cooperate with any transparent investigation conducted under the supervision of competent official and judicial authorities."


LBCI
04-07-2025
- LBCI
UNFPA donates medical equipment to support Lebanon's primary healthcare system
Lebanon's Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine received a donation of ultrasound machines and sterilization equipment from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support reproductive and sexual health services in primary healthcare centers. The handover took place at the Health Ministry's warehouse in Karantina, in the presence of UNFPA and ministry officials. Nassereddine stressed the importance of strengthening primary healthcare to reduce disease burden and healthcare costs, especially amid Lebanon's ongoing crises. He highlighted the ministry's partnership with UNFPA and reaffirmed the commitment to support all healthcare centers as part of the national health strategy, calling them 'the backbone of the health system.'