dr firas abiad is the hospital director. | abiad is the hospital director. on strengthening the ones neglected institution. during the covid—19 pandemic, he became a household name as the hospital took the lead in the country's response. every monday morning, dr firas abiad tours hospital wards, not to see patients, but to make sure the hospital is still functioning. i think that we are passing through a most difficult situation, as our circumstances are becoming more difficult, the demands on us by patient is increasing, and that has really put us in a very curious situation. —— precarious. in situation. -- precarious. in late situation. —— precarious. in late 2019, spiralling national debt contributed to the collapse of lebanon's economy. now, the country is facing the highest levels of inflation seen anywhere in the world. almost entirely reliant on imports, the country is now facing massive shortages. a nationwide shortage of fuel has led to sweeping power cut. at the hospital, this means relying on their backup generators for up to 23 hours a day. this