From the womb of a revolution that liberated decision-making: “The Pillar of Life,” a success story culminating seven years of partnership between the Zakat Authority and the Heart Center, saving the lives of 7,447 impoverished individuals.
In a unique humanitarian saga, at a time when the enemy wagered on the collapse of the healthcare system, the “Pillar of Life” project stands as living proof that liberating political decision-making is the cornerstone of nation-building and serving humanity.
From the womb of the glorious September 21st Revolution, which freed the country from the yoke of American and Gulf tutelage, sovereign institutions were born that had a decisive impact in confronting challenges, foremost among them the General Authority for Zakat, which is considered one of the blessed fruits of this revolution.
For seven years, the partnership between this nascent authority and the Military Heart Center has embodied the highest ideals of solidarity, saving the lives of thousands of impoverished people and writing a glorious chapter in the history of Yemeni resilience.
Acting Prime Minister: Turning Challenge into Achievement and National Integration
At the outset of the event, Acting Prime Minister, Allamah Muhammad Muftah, affirmed that the government is committed to reforming the healthcare system as a direct front against the aggression’s schemes, aiming to facilitate citizens’ access to services and reduce the need for travel abroad.
He commended this collaborative effort, which has resulted in saving 7,447 beneficiaries at a cost of 1.453 billion riyals, considering the General Authority for Zakat “the government’s primary and active partner.”
He indicated that the government’s vision currently focuses on localizing the treatment of chronic diseases and preventing exploitation, while emphasizing the importance of health awareness and mandating that hospitals have emergency teams. In a comprehensive message, Allamah Muftah expressed gratitude to the military, asserting that “if politics fails, the armed forces will have the final say in ending the aggression and lifting the blockade,” thus underscoring the integration of national efforts to overcome the difficult circumstances.
Minister of Health: An Inspiring Partnership and Innovation in Zakat Collection
For his part, the Minister of Health and Environment, Dr. Ali Shaiban, praised the tremendous and exceptional role played by the Zakat Authority, emphasizing that its health-related projects have significantly eased the burden on the Ministry. He described the partnership experience with the Authority as “excellent and inspiring,” adding that efforts will be made to replicate it in other governorates.
In an innovative move, Dr. Shaiban revealed an agreement to collect zakat in kind from pharmaceutical companies and factories during Ramadan. This will allow for the direct distribution of medicines to the poor and needy, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. He stressed that the Authority’s support does not negate the need for international health funding, especially given the ongoing aggression and blockade.
Head of the Zakat Authority: Continued Giving and Upcoming Quality Projects
In turn, the Head of the General Authority for Zakat, Sheikh Shamsan Abu Nashatan, explained that the celebration of the seventh anniversary of the “Support for Life” project comes amidst the great care and attention of the revolutionary and political leadership.
The project was considered a major achievement, benefiting 7,447 patients within the center, in addition to 1,820 cases whose treatment was covered by the organization outside of it. He noted that the project was launched with an initiative from the organization to provide the center with a modern catheterization machine worth $400,000.
Sheikh Abu Nashatan revealed the completion of all construction work and the supply of equipment for the “Prophet Muhammad Hospital” project, which will be the first specialized hospital in Yemen for kidney diseases, surgery, and transplantation. He called on everyone to recognize their responsibility towards the poor and needy.
Director of the Heart Center: A Success Story with Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Dr. Ali Al-Shami, Director of the Military Heart Center, explained that the “Life Support Project” has become, after seven years, a success story written through sincere cooperation and transparency.
He confirmed that during this period, 1,933 therapeutic catheterization procedures were performed, approximately 3,152 cardiac stents were implanted, in addition to providing diagnostic catheterization for 112 cases and valve dilation for 83 cases.
Dr. Al-Shami stated that “The Pillar of Life” was the Zakat Authority’s first project in the health sector, and it has proven its economic and humanitarian viability, witnessing a steady increase in the number of beneficiaries, reflecting the success of this blessed partnership.
Reviving the Pillars and Transforming Them into an Effective Force
Thus, the “Pillar of Life” project is not merely a matter of numbers, but a living embodiment of the will of a people who refuse to be broken, and conclusive proof that the free national decision achieved thanks to the blessed September 21 Revolution is capable of reviving the pillars and transforming them into an effective force that builds impregnable fortresses against challenges.
While the enemy gambles on death and siege, the Yemenis, under their revolutionary leadership, gamble on life and giving, affirming through this unique integration that the path of steadfastness continues, and that overcoming the difficult circumstances is not just a hope, but a diligent effort and continuous struggle in all fields, until complete victory is achieved by lifting the aggression and the unjust siege on the land of faith and wisdom.