Jun 01, 2020

Philips joins forces with Lebanese Red Cross against COVID-19

Philips Foundation and Philips Middle East, collaborate with the Lebanese Red Cross to fight against COVID-19 by strengthening local emergency care facilities.

Beirut, Lebanon – Philips Foundation, which aims to provide access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities, together with Philips Middle East today announced to provide medical equipment to the Lebanese Red Cross towards the prevention, monitoring and treatment of conditions caused by COVID-19. The donated equipment is an answer to the critical need to address healthcare challenges in the most affected regions in Lebanon.

Through this contribution, the Lebanese Red Cross is able to equip its centers in Lebanon with mobile tele-ultrasound devices and defibrillators. Ultrasound devices can be used in a variety of environments, including emergency services such as ambulances and makeshift hospitals, to detect and monitor disease progression, by scanning for lung abnormalities consistent with COVID-19 imaging markers, or possible cardiac complications. This way, frontline healthcare workers are able to fast track patients contracted by the virus and provide them with better care. The medical devices will go towards emergency care facilities across the country to strengthen response mechanisms and address the COVID-19 crisis where it’s most needed.

Pulling together with Philips Middle East and Philips Foundation to make an impact is vital in these unprecedented times,” says Mr. Georges Kettaneh, Secretary General, from the Lebanese Red Cross. “We have always aimed to improve health, prevent disease, and alleviate the suffering of all people through rehabilitation and solidarity programs. We are grateful to the Philips Foundation and Philips for supporting us and helping us continue our mission.’’

Mr. Georges Kettaneh

Secretary General of the Lebanese Red Cross.

The Lebanese Red Cross National Society is a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Led by volunteers, auxiliary to the authorities in the country, leading in Emergency Medical Services and Blood Transfusion Services.

“At Philips, as a leading health technology company, we see ourselves as a partner, to support health systems and to improve people’s health,” said Ozlem Fidanci, CEO Middle East and Turkey, Philips. “Together with the Philips Foundation, we are making an important contribution in the fight against COVID-19 in Lebanon. We believe collaboration with the Lebanese Red Cross Society will help the larger community of Lebanon in accelerating access to critical care for the people who need it the most.’’she added.

Ozlem Fidanci

CEO Middle East and Turkey, Philips.

The efforts both Philips and the Philips Foundation are making in Lebanon joined other initiatives to support healthcare institutions and limit the effects of COVID-19.

About the Philips Foundation

The mission of the Philips Foundation is to reduce healthcare inequality by providing access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities through innovation, 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). We do this by deploying Philips expertise, innovative products and solutions, by collaborating with key partners around the world, and by providing financial support for innovations that help improve healthcare provision in a sustainable way. 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