On December 2nd, a delegation from the Italian Consulate in Jerusalem, led by Consul General H.E. Domenico Bellato, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Jerusalem, represented by Director Mirko Tricoli, visited the Psychiatric Hospital of Bethlehem. This visit celebrated the successful completion of a renovation and construction project funded by AICS.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Ibrahim Ikhmayes, Director of the Psychiatric Hospital of Bethlehem, along with Governor Mohammad Abu Alia of Bethlehem Governorate and Dr. Haitham Al Hedri, General Director of Hospitals in Palestine.
Dr. Haitham Al Hedri expressed profound appreciation to the Italian Cooperation for its vital role in strengthening the Palestinian health system, particularly in mental health. He provided an overview of the completed renovations and new constructions at the hospital, which include a guest house, cafeteria, cultural and social spaces, and various internal upgrades. Additionally, he acknowledged Italy’s broader contributions to Palestinian healthcare, including the construction of hospitals in Dura and Halhul, as well as the provision of medical equipment to hospitals across the region.
Governor Mohammad Abu Alia expressed his gratitude to the Italian government for its consistent support of health sector projects in Palestine, particularly given the current political context. He emphasized the significance of these initiatives in providing tangible benefits to the local community.
Ms. Dyala Awawdeh, Director of Occupational Therapy at the Psychiatric Hospital, presented a detailed overview of the project’s outcomes. She highlighted how the renovations and newly constructed spaces have created opportunities for patients to regain dignity and independence, such as the ability to live in the newly refurbished apartments and engage in work activities within the cafeteria. She also commended the ongoing support provided by ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliana Isotina), which has contributed to the professional development of the hospital staff through training and support, particularly during this fragile period.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the renovated and newly constructed spaces. Despite the challenges of the past year, the renovation and construction work were completed within one year.
The Italian Cooperation aims to enhance the Palestinian healthcare system, highlighting the critical need to address the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of integrating individuals with mental health conditions into society.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on ensuring that the newly completed recreational and social spaces in Bethlehem are fully utilized, not only by patients but by the entire community. These spaces are designed to host social gatherings, events, and recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connection for all.
By encouraging the active engagement of individuals with mental health conditions alongside the broader community, these initiatives aim to promote dignity, respect, and inclusion. This approach seeks to reshape perceptions of mental health, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their challenges, is valued and recognized as an integral part of society.
