Lebanon to Invest in the Quality of Primary Health Care

OTTAWA , Oct. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Accreditation Canada International has been selected by the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon to identify opportunities for improvement in the Lebanese health care system and ensure optimal use of Ministry resources. The six month project, starting in October of this year, will involve the review of current Lebanese Primary Health Care Standards and the pilot testing of the revised standards with three local health organizations.

This project is a key step in accomplishing the Ministry's goal to upgrade health facilities including hospitals, primary health care centres, laboratories and other health institutions in Lebanon . The further development and enhancement of these Primary Health Care Standards will help ensure that the people of Lebanon have access to quality, safe and comprehensive health care services and will help to keep Lebanon's population healthier.

"We are pleased that Accreditation Canada International will help us in improving the quality of care and overall performance in Primary Health Centres in Lebanon . Through such work, Accreditation Canada International will contribute to Primary Health Care reform in Lebanon ," says Dr. Walid Ammar , Director General of the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon .

Accreditation Canada International is proud to be a part of this project and is eager to share its expertise in health care excellence through accreditation with Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. "This initiative clearly demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to improve the health and well-being of the Lebanese people by providing them with the best quality health care services possible," says Wendy Nicklin , President and CEO, Accreditation Canada . "Accreditation Canada looks forward to working with the Ministry in addressing their health care priorities and to continuing to contribute to the improvement of health care worldwide."

This project further establishes Accreditation Canada International's ongoing contribution to health care in Lebanon . Accreditation Canada International first became involved in the region in May 2009 when it was selected to provide technical support in the auditing of Lebanese Acute Care facilities.

Regional partners in the Lebanon project include United Management Bureau, based in Beirut , Lebanon , and Al-Mashura Health Group, based in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia .

Accreditation Canada International specializes in exporting health accreditation expertise worldwide. Accreditation Canada (www.accreditation.ca) is a not-for-profit, independent organization that provides national and international health and social service organizations with an external peer review to assess the quality of their services based on standards of excellence. Accreditation Canada's programs and guidance have been helping thousands of organizations strive for excellence since 1958.

For further information: Liane Craig, Director, Strategic Communications, Accreditation Canada, 1-800-814-7769 ext. 301, [email protected]