On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, AICS Jerusalem visited two hospitals in the Hebron Governorate: Dura Hospital and Halhul Hospital, both funded by AICS. The interventions aim at improving healthcare services, strengthening the technical knowledge and clinical skills of healthcare staff, and improving machineries and facilities within the hospital network of the Hebron Governorate.
The visit to Halhul Hospital was warmly received by the hospital’s Director, Dr. Fadi Daana, who guided us through the various departments and shared valuable insights into the ongoing initiatives. One of the standout features of the hospital’s efforts is the fruitful exchange program between Palestinian and Italian medical staff. Despite the challenging political climate in the region, Centro Salute Globale (The Global Health Center), a multidisciplinary facility of the Tuscany Region, has been pivotal in supporting Halhul Hospital’s efforts. The Global Health Center is dedicated to coordinating international health cooperation initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality worldwide. As part of its mission, Centro Salute Globale has ensured that online training programs for Palestinian medical staff continue as planned.
During our visit, we also learned about the significant role Halhul Hospital plays in the local community. In October 2024 alone, the hospital served 1,438 patients, underscoring its crucial role in providing essential healthcare services. The emergency department handles 120 cases per day, while the orthopedic department sees about 50 cases, the otolaryngology department manages 60, and the pediatrics department cares for 30.
In Dura, the Director of the hospital Dr. Mohammad Ribi’ graciously welcomed the delegation. During the tour, Mr Ribi’ reported that the dialysis department serves the needs of 64 patients daily, while the emergency department handles 207 patients each day and manages 12 surgical procedures. These numbers reflect the hospital’s dedication to providing high-quality care to the community, showcasing its essential role in the region’s healthcare system.
Ms. Stefania Cavallaro, AICS Health Focal Point, expressed her satisfaction with the progress observed at both hospitals. The clean and well-maintained environment, along with the commitment of the medical staff, left a lasting impression on all of us.
The support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation will continue in the coming month, starting from the provision of essential medical equipment to enhance the response capacity of the two hospitals.
-Ends-
