The United Arab Emirates continues to deliver essential medical care to the people of the Gaza Strip through its fully equipped field hospital, a critical humanitarian initiative that has become a lifeline for thousands. Established in response to the escalating healthcare crisis, the facility has provided comprehensive treatment to a staggering number of patients since it began operations.
A Beacon of Healthcare in a Conflict Zone
Operated under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the hospital was launched as part of the "Gallant Knight 3" humanitarian operation. Its mission is clear: to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian families, especially children, who face severe shortages of medical supplies and facilities. The hospital is strategically located in the city of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, an area overwhelmed by the needs of a displaced population.
The hospital's impact is quantified by significant numbers: it has successfully treated more than 18,000 patients since opening its doors. Furthermore, its maternity ward has been a place of hope and new beginnings, assisting in the safe delivery of 116 babies. These figures underscore the facility's vital role in sustaining basic healthcare services where they are most desperately needed.
Comprehensive Services and Advanced Care
The UAE field hospital is not a basic clinic; it is a comprehensive medical complex designed to handle a wide range of conditions. It boasts multiple specialized departments to ensure holistic care. The facility includes:
- A fully functional operating theatre for urgent surgical procedures.
- Adult and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) to manage critical cases.
- Anesthesia and recovery rooms equipped with modern technology.
- Dedicated departments for orthopedics, dentistry, psychiatry, and family medicine.
- Laboratory and pharmacy services to support diagnosis and treatment.
- A medical storage warehouse to ensure a steady supply of essentials.
This wide array of services allows the hospital to treat everything from trauma injuries and chronic diseases to providing dental care and mental health support, addressing both the physical and psychological toll of the conflict on residents.
Ongoing Commitment and Broader Humanitarian Efforts
The field hospital represents just one pillar of the UAE's sustained humanitarian commitment to Gaza. The broader "Gallant Knight 3" operation, managed by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and supported by the UAE's Ministry of Defence, encompasses a much larger aid mission. This operation has dispatched over 200 aircraft carrying more than 16,000 tonnes of critical relief supplies, including food, water, and medical materials.
In addition to the Rafah hospital, the UAE has established two other crucial healthcare facilities in the region: a second field hospital in Khan Younis and a floating hospital at the Egyptian port of Al Arish. This multi-pronged approach ensures that medical aid can reach Palestinians through different access points, maximizing the number of people who can receive care.
The continuous operation of these facilities highlights the UAE's unwavering dedication to providing humanitarian support to the Palestinian people during an exceptionally challenging period. By offering free, high-quality medical services, the UAE field hospital in Gaza stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity and a practical response to a dire human need, saving lives and offering comfort one patient at a time.
