As Lebanon’s healthcare system continues to face mounting challenges, a new generation of leaders are stepping up with transformative ideas to address pressing issues and improve outcomes for patients across the country. Among them, Dr. Faisal Sinno stands out as a visionary whose deep commitment to healthcare, philanthropy, and social development is shaping the future of Makassed healthcare sector.
Dr. Sinno is an accomplished businessman and philanthropist who has dedicated much of his life to improve the lives of others. Born in Beirut in 1946, Dr. Sinno has always been driven by a sense of responsibility to contribute to his community. His educational journey began at Makassed schools in Beirut before he went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1973. While he initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine, he later shifted his focus to his family’s timber business, which allowed him to establish successful ventures in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Romania.
Despite his business success, Dr. Sinno has always prioritized philanthropy and healthcare, particularly through his leadership at Makassed Philanthropic Islamic Association of Beirut. Since joining the organization in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in spearheading humanitarian initiatives and advancing medical care, guiding Makassed through Lebanon’s most challenging times, including the economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion.
Let’s explore how Dr. Sinno’s leadership is transforming Makassed’s healthcare sector through innovation, resilience, and philanthropy!
Transforming Makassed General Hospital
His tenure at Makassed has been marked by significant modernization efforts at Makassed General Hospital (MGH). As Vice-President until 2014 and President since 2018, he has led numerous rehabilitation projects to enhance hospital infrastructure, increase medical capacity, and ensure high-quality care.
Major Hospital Renovations and Expansions Under His Leadership
- ICU Renovation: Upgraded for greater clinical efficiency, featuring nine fully equipped single rooms and a central monitoring station.
- Renal Dialysis Unit: Established with a donation from KSRelief, comprising 21 beds, three isolation rooms, and two pediatric beds, now providing over 1,500 dialysis sessions per month.
- Children’s Cancer Floor Renovation: Enhanced to support pediatric hematology and oncology, treating over 700 children annually in collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Modernization: Improved facilities for vulnerable infants up to one month old.
- Emergency Room (ER) Upgrade: Expanded triage and treatment spaces, including specialized rooms for adults, pediatrics, obstetrics, and surgery.
- Main Entrance, Billing Department, and Admission Office Overhaul: Enhanced functionality, patient experience, and hospital aesthetics.
Developments Since 2022
- CCU Renovation: Expanded to eight beds with state-of-the-art medical equipment for cardiac patients.
- Billing Office Relocation: Optimized administrative processes and patient accessibility.
- OBGYN Ward Enhancement: Temporary renovations included two Labor, Delivery, and Recovery (LDR) rooms to ensure uninterrupted care.
- New Chiller Installation: Ensured reliable hospital cooling for improved comfort and efficiency.
- MRI Machine Upgrade: Boosted diagnostic accuracy and reduced scan times.
- VIP Room Upgrades: Enhanced accommodations for premium patient services.
- Laundry Equipment Enhancement: Installed new machinery for improved hygiene and linen management.
- Cafeteria Renovation & Expansion: Provided a more comfortable dining space for patients, visitors, and staff.
Leading Through Crisis
Throughout Lebanon’s economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion, Dr. Sinno ensured that Makassed remained steadfast in its mission to serve the most vulnerable.
Crisis Response Initiatives
- COVID-19 Preparedness: In April 2020, MGH established a specialized COVID-19 department, including a six-bed emergency unit, ten-bed isolation unit, and a five-bed ICU for critical cases.
- Beirut Port Explosion Relief: Launched emergency medical response efforts, fundraising campaigns, and expanded hospital capacity to accommodate victims.
- Medical Funds for the Needy: Strengthened financial support programs to ensure continued access to essential healthcare for underserved populations.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Sinno remains dedicated to expanding Makassed’s medical services, integrating digital health technologies, and strengthening support for Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities. His vision includes:
Upcoming Major Projects
- One-Day Surgery Department Renovation: Nine-bed facility, including two VIP rooms, for enhanced same-day surgical procedures.
- Endoscopy Department Modernization: Two state-of-the-art procedure rooms with Al- enabled towers for advanced diagnostics.
- OBGYN Department Overhaul: Comprehensive upgrades to improve maternal and newborn care.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit & Oncology Floor Renovation: Specialized facilities for cancer patients undergoing intensive treatments.
Dr. Sinno’s dedication to improving healthcare through philanthropy, innovation, and community engagement makes him one of Lebanon’s top healthcare leaders for 2025. With a career that spans both business and humanitarian efforts, his commitment to bettering the lives of others will ensure a lasting impact for generations to come.
