ICRC sends surgical team to Lebanon

On October 17, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that it has sent a specialized surgical medical team to a hospital in southern Beirut, Lebanon, in response to the mounting medical pressures in the area. The organization reiterated the importance of protecting civilians amidst ongoing military actions.

According to the ICRC’s official website, the decision to deploy the medical team comes as local conflicts escalate, leading to an increasing number of casualties and overwhelming the healthcare system’s capacity to assist those in urgent need. The deployed team consists of an emergency room doctor, a surgeon, and an anesthetist, all of whom have substantial experience in treating injuries caused by warfare.

This deployment was carried out in close coordination with Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. The new medical team will collaborate with the existing 22-person ICRC team at Rafik Hariri University Hospital. Earlier this month, the ICRC delivered a shipment of medical supplies to the hospital and plans to send an additional team, including 10 nurses and doctors, in the near future.

The ICRC estimates that the medical supply kits provided will be sufficient to treat approximately 2,000 critically injured patients, with supplies intended to assist 19 medical centers in conflict-affected areas of Lebanon.

The ICRC’s representation in Lebanon emphasized that while the medical team and supplies will help alleviate the burden on the local healthcare system, the demand for medical care has surged dramatically, necessitating ongoing and safe humanitarian assistance.

The organization once again urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during military operations. They reiterated that under international humanitarian law, it is imperative to respect and safeguard healthcare personnel, medical teams, and their means of transport in all circumstances.