Jerusalem / PNN/
Senior representatives from the Representative Office of Japan to Palestine, the Red Crescent Society, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) gathered today for the formal handover of mobile X-Ray equipment to the Red Crescent Society Hospital in Jerusalem. The equipment was procured through the generous contribution of the Government of Japan as part of the project “Multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 and ensure uninterrupted basic services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.”
The Mobile X-Ray equipment will enhance diagnostic capacity at the Red Crescent Society Hospital and strengthen its capacity to provide essential health services. Over its projected eight-year lifespan, the equipment is expected to serve at least 8,000 people, including older people, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups with limited access to healthcare.
This handover comes in the context of a broader response to the severe challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly increased humanitarian needs across Palestine and placed additional pressure on fragile public services.
In response, the Government of Japan partnered with UNOPS to implement multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance, targeting urgent needs in health, education, social protection, and water and sanitation. More than 12,200 people have benefited from this initiative to date.
Speaking at the ceremony, His Excellency Ambassador ARAIKE Katsuhiko reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people: "The Government of Japan hopes that the installed X-ray equipment will help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the ongoing setting. Japan continues unwavering support to the people of Palestine, especially in this dire situation.”
Dr. Suliman Gosheh, representing the Red Crescent Society Hospital, expressed gratitude for the support:“This Mobile X-Ray equipment will greatly enhance our hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat patients effectively. We extend our gratitude to the Government of Japan and UNOPS for their support in improving healthcare access for Palestinians in Jerusalem.”
Ms. Karuna Herrmann, UNOPS Director, highlighted the importance of international partnerships in strengthening resilience:“UNOPS is proud to have worked alongside the Government of Japan and the Red Crescent Society on this project.
This contribution will improve access to quality care while also reinforcing the resilience of the health system. Partnerships like this are vital to safeguarding the continuity of essential services.”
