The agreement aims at supporting improved access to quality and sustained essential health care services at the East Jerusalem hospitals amid the challenging financial situation and the consequences of the war in Gaza.  The project aims to upgrade Al Makassed hospital for advanced medical and surgical care delivery. It will also support Augusta Victoria hospital to upgrade and expand the existing kidney care centre, to serve better patients with kidney failures, and to expand provision of specialized cancer care through the establishment of a modern endoscopy unit. The project will also support the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Health to localize health care services and ensure better access to high quality healthcare to all Palestinians in West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

“This EU support is an important investment in the future of the Palestinian people, as well as in the Palestinian health care system. Through this partnership we reaffirm our commitment towards improving availability and access to high quality specialized health care services. For years, the EU has supported East Jerusalem hospitals amid the challenging financial and political situation to preserve their long-standing work as well as to protect their presence in East Jerusalem. This project will contribute to a more sustained health care delivery, and will ensure long-term financial sustainability for East Jerusalem Hospitals,” said the European Union Representative, Alexandre Stutzmann.

The project is funded by the EU and will be implemented by the UNDP/ Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People. The project aims at improving access to quality specialized care for Palestinians in West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The project will also help adapt health care services to better meet the specific needs and contexts within the National Palestinian Health care system.