(Al-Bireh - 1/10/2018): A delegation from the Canadian Red Cross Society chaired by Pat Laberge, Director of Global Programs, visited a number of PRCS’ branches in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The five-day visit aimed at getting better acquainted with services offered by PRCS and discussing means to enhance cooperation between the two National Societies.
The Canadian guests were received by the Palestinian Society’s President Dr. Younis Al Khatib, its Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh as well as by several heads of departments and representatives of National Societies present in Palestine. They all attended the inauguration ceremony of phase I of the new PRCS’ Central Emergency Call Centre funded by the Canadian Government via the Canadian Red Cross and ICRC. Ibrahim Al Ghoula, Director of PRCS’ Emergency Services in the West Bank, provided the guests with an overview of the new center.
After warmly welcoming his guests, Dr. Al Khatib underlined the need for continuous support from the International Movement given the many challenges facing PRCS as a result of the Israeli occupation. He said that cooperation between PRCS and the Canadian Red Cross was longstanding and that the first study on Palestinian Blood Transfusion Services was carried out by the Canadian Society and resulted in the creation of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS). Al Khatib also thanked the Government of Canada for sponsoring a key program aimed at enhancing PRCS’ emergency response capacities.
Speaking on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross, Pat Laberge said: “One cannot but admire the programs and services offered by PRCS’ staff and volunteers as well as their humanitarian work despite challenges in the field. We at the Canadian Red Cross believe in long-term partnerships that enhance the capacities of partners such as PRCS and help them provide humanitarian services to marginalized groups”.
Jason Tulk, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority, praised the fruitful cooperation between PRCS and his government through the Canadian Red Cross and ICRC, which culminated in the completion of phase I of the Call Center. The Center, he said, will help enhance the Palestinian Society’s capacities especially in the field of First Aid. He also lauded efforts made by PRCS’ staff and volunteers to meet the humanitarian needs of Palestinians in general, and Gaza Strip residents in particular.
Tania Shawar, Head of International Cooperation at PRCS, spoke about the importance of the support provided by the Canadian government, the Canadian Red Cross and ICRC with a view to building the resilience of local communities to enable them to better cope with crises and humanitarian challenges.
The Canadian delegation then visited PRCS’ branches in Khan Younes and Jabalia in the Gaza Strip to get better acquainted with their services as well as with the Society’s Rehabilitation Department, Ability Development College, Al Amal Hospital, Open Studio and vocational workshops. Delegation members also visited the Accident & Emergency Department, MRI Unit, laboratory, inpatient wards, outpatient clinics and cardiovascular surgery ward at PRCS’ Al Quds Hospital in Gaza City and were briefed about key challenges and aspirations.
Finally, the Canadian delegation visited PRCS’ branch in Jericho as well as the Society’s mobile clinics operating in Al Fasayel village.
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