Scaling Up the Red Cross Field Hospital in Gaza

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced yesterday, May 7th, local time, that it has completed the delivery of necessary supplies for the renovation and functional enhancement of the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza, with support from the European Union (EU), the Egyptian Red Crescent, and other partners. The supplies arrived in Gaza via Egypt from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

Since its establishment two years ago, the Red Cross field hospital has fulfilled its role in saving the lives of local residents. As one of the few functioning medical facilities in southern Gaza, it serves as a regional hub providing primary care in outpatient clinics. The ICRC operates this hospital in cooperation with 16 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, including the Japanese Red Cross Society, with the Norwegian Red Cross playing a leading role. Additionally, volunteers for mental health care and emergency teams are provided by the local Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The Red Cross field hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza. Tomorrow, May 9th, marks exactly two years since its opening.

Inside the field hospital. As one of the few functioning medical facilities in southern Gaza, it serves as a regional hub providing primary care in outpatient clinics.

"The delivery of medical equipment and supplies for the Red Cross field hospital is a positive step towards meeting the medical needs of the people in Gaza," says Julian Lerisson, Head of Delegation for the ICRC in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. "However, the field hospital alone cannot cope with all the immense needs."

This move towards renovation and functional enhancement was realized after a long approval process. It will significantly improve the overall functionality of the hospital, increasing the number of beds from 60 to 72. Furthermore, patients and staff will benefit from improved operating rooms, emergency and outpatient departments, obstetrics and pediatrics, reduced overcrowding in wards, and enhanced post-operative care.

Achievements of the Red Cross field hospital since its opening in May 2024 (Note: This date seems to be a typo and should likely be May 2022, based on the 'two years ago' statement):

Surgeries: Over 11,300
Consultations: Approximately 250,000
Deliveries: Approximately 1,200
Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy sessions: Approximately 19,200
Blood Transfusions: Over 1,500

"Typical field hospitals are used as temporary solutions and, being tent structures, last at most about a year," says Lerisson. "The fact that our field hospital has had to function for so long, and is still needed to fill the gap in medical services, clearly demonstrates the severe situation of medical access in Gaza."

Since October 2023, all hospitals in Gaza have reported some form of damage. Medical facilities require a continuous supply of water, electricity, essential medical supplies, medicines, and even advanced medical equipment. Critically needed medical equipment is still not permitted into Gaza.

"The people of Gaza need more than just medical aid. They also need clean water and sanitation facilities, heavy machinery to remove rubble, forensic supplies to help identify bodies, and information on the whereabouts of detained relatives," Lerisson describes the current situation. "While this enhancement is certainly a positive step, much more support is needed on the ground. Only by ensuring the dignity of the people of Gaza can we take a step towards the long road to recovery."

Editor's Note

Which 16 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are supporting the Rafah field hospital?

Australia, Austria, Canada, China (Headquarters and Hong Kong Branch), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom