Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The UN Development Programme and the EU signed an arrangement of EUR 5 million to extend specialized healthcare services and support the financial strength of the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network, with particular emphasis on Al-Makassed Hospital and Augusta Victoria Hospital.
How does the agreement support localizing healthcare in Palestine?
The agreement seeks to support improved access to quality and sustained essential healthcare services at the East Jerusalem hospitals amid the difficult financial situation and the outcomes of the war in Gaza. The project aims to upgrade Al Makassed Hospital for progressive medical and surgical care delivery.
It will also help Augusta Victoria Hospital to upgrade and extend the existing kidney care centre, to conform better patients with kidney failures, and to develop the provision of specialized cancer care via the establishment of a modern endoscopy unit. The scheme will also support the actions of the Palestinian Ministry of Health to localize healthcare services and assure better access to high-quality healthcare to all Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
How will the EU ensure sustainability for East Jerusalem Hospitals?
Alexandre Stutzmann, the European Union Representative, underscored that the EU’s support represents a significant investment in the future of the Palestinian people and their healthcare system. He emphasized that through this partnership, the EU reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the availability and accessibility of high-quality specialized healthcare services.
Stutzmann noted the EU’s longstanding support for East Jerusalem hospitals, which continues despite challenging financial and political circumstances, aimed at preserving their essential role and presence in the region. He highlighted that this project aims to enhance healthcare delivery sustainability and ensure the long-term financial viability of East Jerusalem Hospitals.
What role does the EU-UNDP partnership play in Palestinian healthcare?
Sarah Poole, the UNDP Special Representative, emphasized that the agreement signed today reflects UNDP/PAPP’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate, originally mandated by a 1978 UN General Assembly resolution, aimed at enhancing the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people. She highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership with the EU, particularly timely given the worsening socio-economic circumstances in Palestine.
The EU, in collaboration with UNDP, will channel its new investment towards bolstering the resilience of East Jerusalem’s health system. This initiative includes enhancing service delivery through infrastructure development and fostering income diversification, self-reliance, and competitiveness. Poole expressed UNDP’s pride in its enduring collaboration with the network of hospitals in East Jerusalem, affirming their commitment to supporting the hospitals’ strategic plans aligned with national priorities. She underscored the value of partnership with Al Makassed Hospital, Augusta Victoria Hospital, and the EU, stressing mutual collaboration aimed at serving the Palestinian population.
The project is supported by the EU and will be executed by the UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People. The project seeks to improve access to quality specialized care for Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The project will also support adapting healthcare services to reasonably meet the specific conditions and contexts within the National Palestinian Health care system.
Why is infrastructure development crucial for healthcare in East Jerusalem?
The project will support the financial stability of the healthcare sector, notably the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network (EJHN), via investments in the institutionalization and development of quality specialized care at Al Makassed Hospital and Augusta Victoria Hospitals (AVH). This will be accomplished through 1) Improving and upgrading surgical care at Al Makassed Hospital; 2) Boosting the kidney care centre; and 3) Developing cancer care at Augusta Victoria Hospital via the establishment of a modern endoscopy unit.
