Philips Foundation deploys field hospital to support Lebanon in a time of need

• A collaborative effort between the Philips Foundation, Philips Lebanon, the Lebanese Army and the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) 

Beirut, Lebanon — Philips Foundation, with its mission to provide access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities, has deployed a modular field hospital consisting of 20 beds that will provide much-needed additional capacity for victims of the recent explosion in Beirut.

Philips Foundation, together with Philips Lebanon, is working with the Lebanese Army to set up the unit next to the military hospital in Beirut. The field hospital aims to expand medical care and ease pressure on the healthcare infrastructure in and around the capital. This support is much needed as Lebanon reels from the recent catastrophe, which came on top of existing humanitarian crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing refugee situation.

The 20-bed inflatable modular tent can be equipped to deal with various types of disaster relief, including the provision of first aid and the support of patient hospitalization. In line with its mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all, Philips Foundation will also make the hospital available for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Depending on the urgency, the tent can also be used for refugees in need of critical care.

“We are deeply saddened by the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the explosion in Lebanon. Such times make our commitment to continuously improving people’s lives even more important,” Vincenzo Ventricelli, CEO, Philips Middle East and Turkey, commented. “We are honored to be working with the Philips Foundation and the Lebanese Army to deploy an impactful solution that can help make quality healthcare accessible to as many people as possible during this difficult period. The field hospital can be customized to serve multiple purposes, and we are happy that it will also be beneficial over the longer-term, helping COVID-19 patients as well as refugees.”

The Philips Foundation worked closely with the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) in transport and coordination of the field hospital, enabling much-needed access to critical care to those who are impacted by the catastrophes Lebanon is facing.

“This action reflects Philips Foundation’s commitment to providing healthcare access, even in times of crisis,” said Margot Cooijmans, Director of the Philips Foundation. “Working with the Lebanese Army and the European Commission, which has overseen the unprecedented emergency in Lebanon from the outset, underlines the importance and relevance of cooperation with partners in enabling this essential emergency response.”

The mobile care unit is part of a broader international project by the coalition of Philips Foundation, AFAS Foundation and Noaber Foundation. The project already procured and deployed five temporary 20-bed hospitals, with an initial focus on areas heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to this, Philips Middle East and the Philips Foundation earlier announced their donation of ultrasound devices and defibrillators to the Lebanese Red Cross equipping ambulance service. These medical devices are primarily for the management of emergency care across the country to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

-Ends-

For further information, contact:
Philips Middle East & Turkey
Rengin Erdinc
Senior Brand & Integrated Communications Manager
Email: Rengin.Erdinc@philips.com 

Impact Porter Novelli
Dana Oraibi
Email: D.oraibi@ipn.ae 

About the Philips Foundation
The Philips Foundation is a registered charity that was established in July 2014 – founded on the belief that innovation and collaboration can help solve some of the world’s toughest healthcare challenges for the underserved and make essential impact. Reflecting our commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and 17 (Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development), the mission of the Foundation is to reduce healthcare inequality by providing access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities. The Philips Foundation fulfills its mission by deploying Philips’ expertise, innovative products and solutions, by collaborating with key partners around the world (including respected NGOs such as UNICEF, Amref and ICRC), and by providing financial support for the collaborative activities. More information on the Philips Foundation can be found at www.philips-foundation.com 

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2019 sales of EUR 19.5 billion and employs approximately 80,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter 

© Press Release 2020