DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has provided technological supplies to the Preterm Birth Department at Al Shifaa Medical Complex, Gaza.
Costing QR727,692, the supply of preterm birth monitoring systems is part of an urgent relief programme to support Palestinian Ministry of Health hospitals in Gaza with medicines, consumables and equipment to meet the increasing demand.
Dr Allam Abo Hamda, Director of the department, said QRC contribution included 16 physiological and two central monitoring systems to check the health of newborns, regulate their heartbeats and balance their blood oxygen levels.
“The Incubator Department at the complex is the biggest in Palestine, receiving up to 200 cases per month, 45 percent of whom are preterm babies. Preterm birth care ranges from 25 to 28 weeks, depending on the condition of the neonate.
“In the past, we found difficulty assessing the condition of preterm babies, faced severe shortages in physiological monitoring systems, a long waiting list, and had to accelerate baby turnover due to reaching full capacity.
“I appreciate QRC’s role in solving the problems and look forward to future expansions to offer better services to preterm babies,” Dr Hamda said.
“As nurses, we ensure the best healthcare for neonates despite scarce medical supplies. With the advanced medical equipment delivered by QRC, the department’s overall work has become better. All results are promising,” said Wael Samara, a nurse.
He said the project helped improve the performance of staff and how preterm infants receive care.
Dr Akram Nassar, Head, QRC Office, Gaza, said the project was part of a portfolio conducted by QRC to enhance healthcare for Palestinian patients. He said the director of the department received specialised training at Hamad Medical Corporation under another QRC project. All these projects aim to advance services in Gaza hospitals in general and reduce mortality rates among preterm babies in particular.
The Peninsula
