(Al-Bireh – 5/4/2016): PRCS’ President Dr.Younis Al Khatib and Mrs IngeBrakman, President of the Netherlands Red Cross, discussed means to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of relief and humanitarian services. Dr. Al Khatib and Mrs.Brakman met during a three-day visit by a Netherlands Red Cross delegation which also comprised Mr.Gijs De Vries, Secretary General, to PRCS’ headquarters in Al-Bireh as well as to the Society’s branches in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and Gaza.
In Jerusalem, the delegation was received by Dr. Khaled Joudeh, PRCS’ Director General, and Dr.AbdallahSabri, Head of the Society’s branch in the city who spoke to them about services provided by PRCS to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem. The delegation visited PRCS’ hospital and toured the Old City of Jerusalem, making stops at Al Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Dr. Al Khatib and Dr.Joudeh accompanied their guests to the Gaza Strip where they visited PRCS’ branch in Jabalia and were briefed on the health and social services it offers. They also got better acquainted with the Society’s Emergency Medical Services in the Gaza Strip.
The delegation then visited Al Amal City for Capacity Development in Khan Younis and toured PRCS’ Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities, the Open Studio, the Capacity Development College and Al Amal Hospital. Stops were made at the Psychosocial Support Department’s Stress Management Centre, the Society’s central warehouse and Al Quds Hospital. Delegation members were briefed on the services, assets, challenges and future plans of the hospital.
In Hebron and Bethlehem, delegation members were received by the Head of PRCS’ branch in Hebron Mr.SamihAbouEysheh. They visited Bethlehem and its Nativity Church as well as the Old City of Hebron and learned about Israeli violations taking place there.
Delegation members also visited PRCS’ hospital in Hebron and received detailed information about its wards and services, in particular its children’s and neonatal wards. At PRCS’ Al Raja’ Centre for Special Education which provides rehabilitation, educational and vocational services to persons with mild and moderate mental disabilities, the delegation was briefed about the Centre’s work and visited different workshops including greenhouses and poultry farms.
Dr. Al Khatib said the visit was part of cooperation and coordination efforts with the International Movement. It aimed at better understanding health and social services provided by PRCS and at developing its humanitarian work. He thanked the Netherlands Red Cross for its continuous support to PRCS.
Mrs.Brakman lauded the humanitarian role played by PRCS in meeting local needs. She affirmed that cooperation with PRCS will continue on all levels to support and promote health and humanitarian services in order to respond to the difficult living conditions on the ground.
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