(Occupied Jerusalem - 19/2/2017): PRCS held a ceremony to mark the inauguration of a hotel wing at its hospital in Al Souwanna (Al Toor, Jerusalem). The ceremony was held under the auspices of PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib and Minister of Jerusalem Affairs- Governor of Jerusalem Adnan Al Husseini. It was also attended by PRCS’ Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh, Mr. David Meltzer, General Counsel at the American Red Cross, ICRC and IFRC representatives, the chair and members of PRCS/Jerusalem Administrative Board, and hospital staff.
In his speech, Al Husseini lauded efforts made by PRCS’ Jerusalem hospital. “A short time ago, we inaugurated the hospital’s first floor. Today, we celebrate the opening of its second floor which will offer Palestinians more enhanced services”, he said. Al Husseini touched on violations against Palestinian institutions in the city which bring a breath of fresh air to residents.
“A number of health, educational, cultural and social institutions serve Palestinians in Jerusalem and are a source of pride for us given their steadfastness despite Israel’s blockade and difficult conditions”, he added. Al Husseini described Palestinians as a hard working and creative people both inside Palestine and in the Diaspora. He thanked all those who made this project a success, including engineers, architects, doctors, nurses and paramedics.
Dr. Al Khatib also took the floor. “This new hotel wing is a valuable achievement. Any positive action undertaken in Jerusalem makes us happy. PRCS has been present in this city for decades to support Palestinians and enhance their steadfastness. We have many plans to expand and develop PRCS’ Jerusalem Hospital”, he said. Al Khatib underlined the Society’s full commitment to Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem given the city’s religious and political importance. PRCS, he added, seeks to develop its humanitarian work in all Palestinian cities and in the Diaspora, especially in Syria where it operates three hospitals.
Dr. Abdallah Sabri, chair of PRCS/Jerusalem Administrative Board, welcomed the attendees and said: “This hotel wing includes 14 fully-equipped rooms to be used by women after delivering their babies under the supervision of the hospital’s medical teams. In all, 28 hotel rooms are available and were furbished by PRCS”. He added that the building’s energy efficiency must be increased, grids changed and generators installed. This will cost PRCS 120 thousand US dollars.
Sabri also touched on developments at the hospital. “Two lifts were installed and funded by the Qatari Red Crescent. The surgery ward is being renovated thanks to funding from the Islamic Development Bank through the Welfare Association. Renovation works are expected to end next May. In two weeks’ time, the renovation of PRCS’ clinic at Aqabat Al Khaldiyeh will start with support from PECDAR. Moreover, a 750m2 piece of land was bought near the hospital on which a 7-floor building is to be erected, while another 9-floor building, of which 4 are below street level, shall be built on a nearby piece of land with a total area of 1150 m2.
He thanked the architectural firm which designed this new floor, the contractor and all PRCS’ staff for their great efforts to promote PRCS and ensure that it remains steadfast and continues to offer services to Palestinians in Jerusalem.
A tour was organized in the new hotel wing at the end of the ceremony.
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