The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) satellite unit in Gaza is operational and positioned to provide much-needed rehabilitation services for children, especially those undergoing emergency surgery. The unit, located at Ahli Arab Hospital (AAH), has recently expanded its team with the addition of a new general doctor, Dr. Said, and a second physiotherapist, Fadi, who will join their social worker, Musa, in delivering crucial care.
Following a meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation Task Force for Gaza, which highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation services for Gazan children post-surgery, JPBC swiftly responded by launching this multidisciplinary team on June 1. Supervised remotely by their medical team in Jerusalem, the team will service patients experiencing severe injuries, prioritizing post-operative rehabilitation for children affected by the recent conflict.
Despite sustaining minor infrastructure damage over the course of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the JPBC satellite unit at AAH has been refurbished to ensure safe operations. AAH, currently serving as the primary trauma center in Northern Gaza Valley, offers a crucial platform for the JPBC team to deliver rehabilitation services. This includes not only physical therapy but also essential psychosocial support for both the children and their families.
JPBC’s Medical Director in Jerusalem explains:
“Timely rehabilitation prevents complications and gives children the best chance of thriving following life changing operations, especially amputations. With so many children undergoing serious orthopedic surgery every day, we need to provide this rehabilitation in our new unit now. The need is huge.”
The JPBC team in Gaza City has recently assessed the medical and rehabilitation needs of 18 children with disabilities at a local shelter, devising tailored intervention programs and psychosocial support for each child. Meanwhile, their displaced therapists in Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah are providing emergency rehabilitation services in collaboration with local clinics and member organizations of the East Jerusalem hospital network operating in Gaza.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the dedicated JPBC teams remain steadfast in their commitment to providing emergency intervention with compassion and expertise. The Gaza-based team of five practitioners collaborate regularly and receive supervision, support, and advice from the multidisciplinary JPBC team in Jerusalem. Through collaboration and determination, they strive to deliver the highest quality of care to children in Gaza, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and thrive.
By afedj.org
