Posted on 24 May 2024
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), along with 11 Red Cross National Societies, has inaugurated a new 60-bed field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, to address the severe medical needs resulting from ongoing conflict. This facility will offer emergency surgical care, maternal and paediatric services, and outpatient care, supporting the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), which has faced devastating losses, including staff casualties and damaged facilities. The hospital aims to treat approximately 200 patients daily, enhancing the region's strained healthcare capacity amidst escalating demands and limited resources.
The opening of this field hospital is a testament to the collective efforts of the international community to support the PRCS, which has been at the forefront of providing emergency medical services in Gaza. Despite the loss of seventeen PRCS staff members and the damage to crucial facilities, including hospitals and emergency vehicles, the PRCS continues to operate three advanced medical posts, six medical points, and three clinics. The new field hospital by the ICRC is a crucial addition to the existing medical infrastructure, striving to meet the vast health needs in Gaza, where the healthcare system has been severely impacted by attacks on medical facilities and personnel.
Source: International Committee of The Red Cross