Last April, clashes in Ein El Hilweh camp displaced families and destroyed homes and shops. The estimated cost of damage was more than $5 million.
The effects of the clashes were felt in the surrounding neighborhoods of Sidon City, where the camp is located. There was a ceasefire in mid-April, but many feel that the clashes can erupt again at any moment, and the camp has already witnessed several security breaches.
The violence has paralyzed Sidon City where several academic institutions suspended their activities, as well as Sidon’s Public Hospital. Many roads were also diverted, given that sniper bullets reached central parts of the city.
Our ambulances were very close to the hot zones, and we evacuated besieged families, as well as the injured and the dead.
During the Ein El Hilweh clashes, the ambulances of Al Hamshari Hospital were the only vehicles that could access the camp. “Our ambulances were very close to the hot zones, and we evacuated besieged families, as well as the injured and the dead,” said Dr. Riad Abu Al Einen, general manager of the hospital.
Through its in-kind medical relief program, Anera supported Al Hamshari Hospital by supplying essential medical supplies in collaboration with the Health Care Society, its local partner in Lebanon. Anera delivered items donated by Direct Relief, including wound dressing, antibiotics and emergency room equipment.
“On a monthly basis we have around 400 surgeries taking place, hence the constant need of new medicines and equipment,” said Nidal Al Qayyem, deputy head pharmacist. “Having long-term and supportive partners helps alleviate some of the suffering of the people of Ein El Hilweh.”
“Our hospital was very busy during the clashes, as we received all casualties and 60 percent of all injury cases,” said Dr. Abu Al Einen. “The available medicines and medical supplies are consumed quickly in times of crisis. We cannot replenish our losses without the support of these donations.”
Having long-term and supportive partners helps alleviate some of the suffering of the people of Ein El Hilweh.
Established in 1982, Al Hamshari Hospital is one of the five Palestinian Red Crescent Society hospitals serving Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The hospital serves 4,000 patients monthly, with a capacity of 70 beds. About 20 percent of the hospital’s regular patients are Syrian refugees, including Palestinian refugees from Syria.
