Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister Saad Hariri and a host of political, social and media figures, Dar Al–Ajaza Al-Islamia has laid the foundation stone for its new project, “Wahat Al-Kibar” in Debbieh.
The ceremony started by reciting verses from the Holy Quran followed by the Lebanese national anthem. The President of the Institution, Dr. Mahmoud Faour welcomed the attendees and explained how the name “Wahat Al-Kibar” was found based on the Institution’s commitment towards the elderly, their health and welfare.
Dr. Faour added that the Institution seeks to spread the culture of elderly care despite all the challenges, in line with the mission of Dar Al–Ajaza, founded sixty-five years ago, noting that the work will continue at Beirut center, through the care administered to 600 patients, in addition to ten thousand residents from nearby areas who receive the required medical examination through outpatient clinics.
He concluded his speech by thanking all those who contributed to the success of “Wahat Al-Kibar”, most particularly Mrs. Nada Hussein Al-Oweini, who donated $ 1 million in support of the project.
He also thanked the head of the municipality of Dahr al-Mghara and members of the municipal council for their support and facilitating the work to start the project.
Engineer Said Jazairli, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the project explained that “Wahat Al-Kibar” is being built at an altitude of 1,000 meters from the sea about 30Km from Beirut. Spread over a surface area of 24,000sqm, including a construction area of 6780 meters, it will be implemented in phases.
Moreover, the new project is comprised of 4 buildings: mental health care, medical care, living assistance, retirement care, laboratory and radiology unit, as well as the main building for administration, medical and logistic services.
“Wahat Al-Kibar” contains about 400 beds, of which 150 are for Alzheimer’s and dementia in a physically safe and adequate facility, 120 beds for permanent nursing care for patients with limited mobility, 80 for living assistance and 48 for retirees seeking comfort and well-being.
The new project is conceived to meet the needs of patients and relieve pressure from Dar Al-Ajaza Hospital Beirut, which since its foundation provides many medical services for those suffering from various health problems, mental and psychological, as well as elderly and patients with special needs and in a coma.