1

Why the project matters

In the Mediterranean region, healthcare systems are under increasing pressure due to economic crises, rising demand, and unequal access to services. In Lebanon, the public health system is near collapse, with shortages in staff, medicine, and diagnostics. Vulnerable groups face barriers related to cost and distance, while mental health needs are rising. In Jordan, although refugee healthcare is integrated into the national system, limited funding and legal restrictions reduce service quality, especially in areas like Mafraq and Ramtha. In Italy and Spain, a shift toward home-based care reveals the need for affordable, user-friendly medical devices. These diverse challenges require urgent, inclusive responses.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To implement a transnational solution to strengthen healthcare systems’ resilience, ensuring equal, timely, and affordable access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• To expand the use of telemedicine and improve the skills of healthcare professionals and communities through targeted training and awareness.
• To promote Open Innovation research by engaging universities and civil society in developing accessible, low-cost biomedical devices.

 

3

Expected change

• Adoption of the co-designed SALAM solution, including telecardiology services, hospital hubs, and mobile medical units, improving access to care for vulnerable populations in the four  involved countries.
• Enhanced skills and readiness of healthcare professionals and local communities through multidisciplinary training, awareness campaigns, and exchange programs.
• Strengthened cooperation among universities, NGOs, and clinics, promoting the development and use of low-cost biomedical devices, such as telecardiology tools, adapted to the specific needs of each territory.

 

4

What the project delivers

• 2 operational hospital hubs in Lebanon and Jordan, equipped with telecardiology services and mobile medical units to improve access in underserved areas. (Helis Infarct.NET)
• 1 transnational training program, involving 70 healthcare professionals, to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals on telemedicine, digital health, and low-cost biomedical devices.
• 1 awareness and engagement campaign, implemented in 4 countries, targeting 60 participants including caregivers, volunteers, and vulnerable groups to promote e-health acceptance and health literacy.
• 1 functional Transnational Research Centre, uniting Mediterranean universities and NGOs to co-develop affordable, need-based biomedical solutions for inclusive healthcare access.
• Established SALAM Network through a Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring sustained cooperation, continuous use of hospital hubs and telecardiology services, and long-term integration of certified biomedical devices into healthcare practice.

5

Who benefits

70 healthcare professionals – including doctors, nurses, technicians, and young residents – trained on telemedicine tools and multidisciplinary care approaches.
450,000 vulnerable local residents in Beirut (Rmeil area) improved access to affordable healthcare services.
44,892 vulnerable individuals in Jordan receiving direct healthcare.
EU citizens affected by cardiovascular diseases benefiting from new affordable biomedical devices developed through transnational research.
15 researchers and biomedical engineers benefiting from knowledge exchange across countries and innovation.