All News
Beirut hospitals discreetly treat Hezbollah's wounded
In Beirut, the Catholic Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital is discreetly treating Hezbollah members who were severely injured in explosions on September 17 and 18, attributed to Israel. Despite Hezbollah’s religious and political affiliations, the Catholic hospital, deeply rooted in Lebanon’s history, has opened its doors to treat the wounded, reflecting a broader unity in Lebanon. Local citizens, transcending religious divides, rushed to donate blood, and medical teams worked tirelessly to manage the overwhelming influx. This inter-religious support underscores the hospital’s mission of care amid heightened conflict, as subsequent Israeli strikes further escalate regional tensions.
By: Jenny Lafond
“God's blessing to the people”: Catholic Archbishop in Cameroon Says New Hospital will Reduce Suffering.
The newly inaugurated St. Blaise Catholic Hospital in Bamenda, Cameroon, aims to provide essential healthcare to residents who previously traveled long distances for treatment. During the September 18 opening, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea emphasized that the facility, equipped with specialists will reduce transportation costs for locals. The six-floor hospital includes an outpatient department, diagnostic labs, and imaging facilities, along with a 120-bed capacity. Archbishop Nkea described the hospital as a "blessing" and part of the Catholic Church's commitment to serve both body and spirit, continuing the healing mission of Jesus Christ. Initial services will be accessible, with free consultations for the first six months and a 20% discount on bed fees.
By: Jude Atemanke
Catholic hospitals were founded to help the poor. Now they pay executives millions and charge some of the highest prices around
The article discusses the financial practices of Catholic health systems in the U.S., highlighting tensions between their founding missions of charity and community service and their current business models. Many Catholic hospitals, originally established to provide affordable care, now face criticism for prioritizing profit over accessibility. Some systems charge high prices, spend less on community benefits than the value of their tax exemptions, and employ aggressive tactics to collect unpaid bills, which include liens and wage garnishment. Despite their religious principles, these hospitals often enforce restrictive medical policies but fall short on social responsibility standards, including care for vulnerable populations. The influence of mergers and acquisitions has allowed Catholic health systems to consolidate market power, leading to higher healthcare costs without significantly improving quality of care.
By: Rachana Pradhan