Over a quarter of a million Palestinians have gained improved access to vital healthcare, through an Islamic Relief project in the West Bank.
As increasing restrictions push Palestinian communities deeper into poverty, communities in Yatta and south Hebron struggled to access health services through a small community hospital. Those who could afford it were often forced to travel up to 55 km – through checkpoints that could be closed – to the main governmental hospital, whilst the poorest people were excluded from much-needed services.
Building capacity at the community hospital
Abu Al Hasan Al Qasim community hospital, which serves over half of the local population, did not have operating facilities. About 20 people a month attended the hospital requiring emergency surgery – with ambulances frequently unable to get patients swiftly to surgical units at the main hospital. Non-emergency patients faced a lengthy waiting list before they could receive the surgery they needed.
Islamic Relief provided the community hospital with a fully-equipped operating room, as well as ten surgical beds. Essential equipment such as an anaesthesia unit, a mobile x-ray machine, and a patient monitor were also provided, and hospital staff received training on pre and post-operative care.
Around 300,000 people are benefitting from the project.