March 31st, 2018 ― Doha: Under its Gaza medical sector development strategy, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched a multi-faceted scheme that involves contracting expert specialists in cardiac surgery, neonatology, and urology, as well as building the capacity of health care providers in the enclave.
"We have started two new continuing medical education programs," said Dr. Heba Al-Mahallawi, Health Projects Officer, QRCS Office in Gaza. "These are the Master of Mental Health at Al-Quds University – Abu Dis and the Diploma in Anesthesiology and intensive care at the Islamic University".
Costing $1 million, the two-year scheme will hopefully improve the quality of health care services in Gaza, she added.
Dr. Bassam Abu Ahmed, General Coordinator of Public Health Programs, Al-Quds University – Abu Dis, said, "The blockade and economic challenges in Gaza have had a too negative psychological impact. According to government statistics, almost 50% of Gaza children suffer psychological problems and need specialist intervention".
"The new scheme will help both the government and NGO mental health professionals to develop their know-how in order to be able to offer effective psychotherapy," he remarked.
One of the beneficiaries of the Emir of Qatar's Medical Scholarship Program is Dr. Iad Al-Roubi, Head, Department of Urology, the Shefaa Medical Complex. "I came back to Gaza one year ago, after completing my specialty scholarship in Qatar. I work not only to serve the patients, but also to provide training for my colleagues who could not pursue their continuing medical education abroad," he said.
Last year, the department performed 884 specialized surgeries and 12,884 consultations. Also, a new Department of Urodynamic Testing was inaugurated.
"With the expertise of Dr. Al-Roubi, now the hospital can accommodate such significant surgeries as removal of kidney, ureteral, or bladder stones," said Dr. Bashir Al-Hourani, urologist. "Formerly, these kinds of cases would be referred for treatment abroad. Now, the medical staff is better educated, which is definitely in the best interest of the patients".
Since 2008, QRCS has conducted a wide range of major humanitarian projects in Gaza, worth as much as $110 million, with a view to improving health conditions, saving thousands of lives, and reducing the need to travel for treatment.
End of Text
About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)
Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 190 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.
QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
For more information, please contact Fareed Adnan, Head of Media Affairs, Communication Department, Tel.: +974 5583 7338, email: fareed@qrcs.org.qa.