Hospital Bed is a Timely Delivery

ANERA delivers hydraulic bed to PRCS in Gaza

 

Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza receives new hydraulic bed for ICU unit.

Dr. Zohair Barzak, director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza (PRCS) was amazed when he saw ANERA’s list of in-kind shipments. “I was reading, as usual, the list of medicines brought to me by ANERA’s in-kind program when suddenly I saw the hydraulic bed.” He couldn’t believe the coincidence.  The special bed was exactly what he and his colleagues were urgently seeking for the intensive care unit.

“Before a surgical operation, the anesthesiologist prepares the patient and after the operation the patient is in recovery and needs a comfortable bed,” explained Dr. Barzak. “The hydraulic bed has all the accessories for smooth movements.”

For many years ago, the Palestinian Red Crescent only diagnosed patients and then referred them to specialized clinics or hospitals. Earlier in 2011, it upgraded services offered to the community by inaugurating a new section for surgeries.  Employees were trained and modern equipment, such as MRI and Lithotripsy were acquired.  What was missing was a hydraulic bed for the ICU.

Dr. Barzak says the number of patients has increased as a result of the new surgery unit because operations cost a lot less than outside clinics.  “We receive 10 cases a week and operate in the new unit two days a week.”

Since closure was imposed on Gaza more than four years ago, Dr. Barzak echoes concerns about the shortage of medicines and the high cost of what is available. It usually takes time to get medical supplies or medicines into Gaza, he says. “If we order a hydraulic bed from a local supplier, it could take four to five months to receive. Even if one is found, it won’t be the same quality and specification.”

PRCS has been a beneficiary of ANERA’s medical in-kind program for the past eight years. PRCS was founded in 1968 as a national humanitarian organization and cares for the health and welfare of Palestinians and others in need in the West Bank and Gaza. It also has branches in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Iraq in addition to a volunteer network.

Date modified: October 2011