Beirut, September 8, 2026 – On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day, LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital recognized members of the Lebanese Civil Defense and the Lebanese Red Cross with an initiative dedicated to their health and well-being.
Every day, these men and women are on the front lines, responding to emergencies, helping those in need and serving their communities, often under physically demanding conditions.
This World Physiotherapy Day, LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital wanted to give back by focusing on those who dedicate so much of themselves to others.
As part of the initiative, 12 members of the Lebanese Civil Defense and 12 members of the Lebanese Red Cross received complimentary physiotherapy sessions at LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital.
Each session was tailored to their individual needs, helping address physical strain, support recovery and promote overall well-being.
Physiotherapy plays an essential role not only in rehabilitation, but also in maintaining mobility, relieving physical strain, preventing injury and supporting long-term quality of life.
For first responders, whose work places significant demands on the body, this support is particularly meaningful.
During the launch of the initiative, LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital welcomed Dr. Antoine Zoghbi, President of the Lebanese Red Cross; Mr. Walid Hachache, Head of the Service and Operations Unit at the Lebanese Civil Defense; in the presence of Dr. Zeina Khouri-Stevens, Executive Vice President of LAU Health System; Mr. Sami Rizk, CEO of LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital; Dr. Karl Jallad, Group CMO at LAU Health System; Mr. Richard Zeidan, Manager of Physiotherapy Department; Mr. Saad El Zein, Head of Marketing & Communications at LAU Health System; and members of the Physiotherapy team.
Dr. Zeina Khouri-Stevens expressed “Since joining LAU Health System, I have seen time and again how the Lebanese Red Cross and Civil Defense are among the first to respond whenever a crisis arises. This initiative is our way of giving back to those who are always there for others. I would also like to recognize our Physiotherapy team, our ‘hidden soldiers,’ whose dedication is essential to patients’ recovery and well-being.”
Mr. Walid Hachache emphasized the Lebanese Civil Defense’s readiness for continued cooperation with LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital, highlighting their shared humanitarian mission: “Because you are humanitarians, and we have a humanitarian mission, this is why we work together. We wish you strength and thank you for your work with people.”
Dr. Antoine Zoghbi highlighted “While first responders are often recognized for being at the beginning of the care journey, recovery and rehabilitation are equally important at the end of the chain. World Physiotherapy Day is an important reminder of this. I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. Sami Rizk and the LAU Administration for their longstanding support of the Lebanese Red Cross and their commitment to the values of humanity and medicine in Lebanon, representing the freedom of humanitarian and medical thought in Lebanon.”
The initiative reflects LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital’s commitment to healing with compassion and to extending its expertise beyond the walls of the Medical Center through meaningful community initiatives.
It is also an opportunity to recognize the dedication of the Medical Center’s physiotherapy team and the important role they play every day in helping patients recover, regain strength and return to their daily lives.
This World Physiotherapy Day, LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital is putting care into action by giving back to those who are always there when others need them most.