‘Sharjah’s love and solidarity’: 147-year-old hospital destroyed in Beirut blast fully rebuilt

The emergency and trauma (ERT) centre of a 147-year-old hospital in Lebanon that was destroyed in the 2020 Port Beirut blast has been fully reconstructed, thanks to the Dh8.7 million contribution from The Big Heart Foundation’s (TBHF) ‘Salam Beirut’ campaign.

The new ERT unit at the Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre (SGHUMC) now features a new paediatric section that can treat up to 40,000 patients annually, Sharjah-based humanitarian organisation TBHF announced on Wednesday.

“The reconstructed unit now boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma care facilities – enabling SGHUMC to operate at full capacity for the first time since the blast. The facility is a significant step forward in strengthening Beirut’s healthcare capabilities,” TBHF said in a statement sent to Khaleej Times.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

“This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, and our chairperson, Sheikha Jawaher, to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride. This project symbolises our belief that humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in the dignity of those we serve.,” noted TBHR director Alya Al Musaiebi.

“The devastation caused by the Port of Beirut explosion was not just structural—it was deeply human, and our response through ‘Salam Beirut’ was committed to investing in systems that give people back not just services, but stability and self-worth,” she added.

The mega-blast that tore through Lebanon’s capital on August 4, 2020 killed more than 150 people and displaced nearly 300,000 residents. It resulted from the ignition of a huge depot of ammonium nitrate at Beirut’s port.

“The hospital was among the most severely affected institutions by the tragic explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut, resulting in a complete shutdown for the first time since its founding in 1878,” said Dr. Joseph Wehbe, chief of staff and head of emergency and trauma centre at SGHUMC.

“Despite the magnitude of the disaster, our determination never wavered. Through the dedication and perseverance of our medical and administrative teams, we managed to resume operations via a temporary emergency unit within a record time of just two weeks,” he recalled.

“Now, the rehabilitation, restoration, and expansion of the trauma unit marks a moment of great pride for everyone at the hospital. This project is not merely about rebuilding a medical facility; it represents a noble humanitarian message and restores hope to the people of Beirut,” he added.