A nurse at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is one of several Lebanese health centres running low on fuel. AFP
A nurse at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is one of several Lebanese health centres running low on fuel. AFP
A nurse at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is one of several Lebanese health centres running low on fuel. AFP
A nurse at Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is one of several Lebanese health centres running low on fuel. AFP

Lebanese hospital says patients could die due to fuel shortages


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One of Lebanon’s biggest hospitals said on Saturday that more than 230 patients on respirators would die if it is forced to shut down its operations due to fuel shortages.

The American University of Beirut Medical Centre is among several hospitals close to running out of diesel, which is needed to power private generators.

Shortages have intensified after the central bank’s decision to half its subsidies of fuel imports.

“AUBMC is facing imminent disaster due to the threat of a forced shutdown starting the morning of Monday August 16, as a result of fuel shortages,” the hospital said.

“Forty adult patients and 15 children living on respirators will die immediately; 180 people suffering from renal failure will die poisoned after a few days without dialysis.”

Earlier in the day, Firass Abiad, chief executive of Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut, said only two of seven generators were running so the hospital could preserve fuel.

Fuel importers are set to resume deliveries to hospitals, bakeries and pharmaceutical companies after an agreement between the central bank and the Energy Ministry to subsidise existing stocks of fuel, the state-owned National News Agency reported.

Future imports will be financed at the market exchange rate, the central bank has said.

Earlier this week, it announced it will stop financing fuel imports at the subsidised 3,900 Lebanese pounds to the dollar rate to protect its dwindling currency reserves.

The fuel crisis led to extended power cuts and disruption in water supplies and the internet, with the state-owned power company only providing up to two hours of electricity a day across Lebanon.

Despite the worsening economic crisis, the worst to grip Lebanon in decades, the country remains without a functioning Cabinet since the deadly blast in Beirut in August 2020.

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
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  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
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  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
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Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Iraq 1-0 UAE

Iraq Hussein 28’

The Cairo Statement

 1: Commit to countering all types of terrorism and extremism in all their manifestations

2: Denounce violence and the rhetoric of hatred

3: Adhere to the full compliance with the Riyadh accord of 2014 and the subsequent meeting and executive procedures approved in 2014 by the GCC  

4: Comply with all recommendations of the Summit between the US and Muslim countries held in May 2017 in Saudi Arabia.

5: Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries and of supporting rogue entities.

6: Carry out the responsibility of all the countries with the international community to counter all manifestations of extremism and terrorism that threaten international peace and security

Updated: August 15, 2021, 7:02 AM