When the RMF was established in 1990, it took over management of the Community Clinic in Zgharta that had existed in a basic form since 1969. The clinic serves the most needy inhabitants of the Northern regions of Lebanon, such as those living in the suburbs of Tripoli and the regions of Akkar and Dennieh.

In 1994 the clinic was moved to a new facility which allowed for the creation of a dental clinic in addition to the two general consultation rooms, and a laboratory for medical analysis. An ophthalmic service was established in 1996 and a pharmacy was started in 1997. By that time 20 doctors, 5 nurses and a pharmacist were serving in the clinic, run by a fulltime manager.

From 1998 onwards the clinic intensified its support to numerous hospitals and dispensaries through the distribution of medicine and medical equipment it was receiving through donations from the USA: electronic beds, wheelchairs, scanners, dialysis machines, stethoscopes, etc.

The community clinic employs 11 people: 4 doctors, a lab specialist, a pharmacist, 3 nurses and 2 dentists. Other specialized doctors provide their services for free.

In the year 2000, a support for hospitalization program allowed for more than 121 sick and underpriviliged people to be hospitalized free of charge.

In 2001, more than 10.000 beneficiaries profited from the medical services offered by the clinic (this includes the medical consultations, dental work, pharmacy and lab services, but excludes the mobile dispensary services). In 2003 the number rose to 17,000, and since 2004 it revolves around 25,000 beneficiaries per year, with an additional 15,000 benefitting from the mobile dispensaries.

Corneal Implants

Starting in 2003, RMF-USA has been receiving donated corneas and sending them to the RMF-Lebanon. The Community Clinic is the link between the USA, the beneficiaries and the hospitals assuring that the implant surgery are conducted as soon as the corneas reach Lebanon. Given the prohibitive cost of corneal surgery, this service allows patients with modest incomes to regain their eyesight.

In 2003, 5 corneas were sent and successfully implanted. In 2004, another 8 corneas were sent and used, in 2005 the number was 7, and by June of 2006, 6 additional corneas had reached their beneficiaries.

Schedule of Consultations at the Community Clinic
(All consultations are free of charge)

Day	Doctor/ Specialization
Monday	Dr. Wissam Joukhadar: Ophthalmology Dr. Tanios Ayoub: Dentist Dr. Abdallah Al Amine: GP Dr. Louis Ayoub: Orthopedics
Tuesday	Dr. Pierre Maalouf: General Surgery Dr. Ghassan Hanna: Ear, Nose & Throat Dr. Roland Moawad: Gynecologist, Obstetric
Wednesday	Dr. Marwan Almaoui: GP Dr. Toni Elias: Gynecologist, Obstetric Dr. Ibrahim Joukhadar: Pediatrics
Thursday	Dr. Radwan Maassarani: Dermatology
Friday	Dr. Toni Awad: Orthopedics Dr. Dr. Ibrahim Joukhadar: Pediatrics Dr. Walid Moawad: Cardiology Dr. Carina Ghawsh: Dentist