October 16th, 2017 ― Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has initiated a new project to support the government-run Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, at a total cost of $284,000 (QR 1,025,920).
In coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH), QRCS's mission in Gaza is implementing a plan to renovate and develop the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), giving a much-needed help for cardiac patients in the enclave.
The Director of the Nasser Hospital, Dr. Ayman Al-Farra, stated, "The complex is Gaza's second-largest health facility. Due to overpopulation, the numbers of cardiac patients in southern parts of the Strip are steadily increasing. The premises are obsolete and need renovation and furnishing. The CCU and outpatient department have a capacity of 6 and 14 beds, respectively. This is not enough, and we have often to accommodate inpatients at other departments".
"The available medical equipment is inadequate and outdated," Dr. Al-Farra added. "The new QRCS project is expected to upgrade the cardiac services in the neighboring districts. The capacity will be increased to 30 beds in both departments".
Also, these improvements would enhance coordination with the Cardiac Catheterization Department of the European Gaza Hospital; reduce the costs of travel for treatment abroad; and enable effective diagnosis of heart valve, arterial, and other disorders.
Dr. Akram Nassar, Head of QRCS Mission in Gaza, said, "Under QRCS's plan to develop the health care sector in Gaza and fill in the gaps in human and financial resources, particularly in relation to chronic diseases, we are pursuing higher quality cardiac diagnostic, treatment, and intensive care services".
Serving a population of more than 650,000, the Department of Cardiology of the Nasser Hospital is the region's central cardiac service provider, with the only acute cardiac care unit among its peers. On average, it receives 150-200 cases per month.