First published January 6, 2024 by International Medical Corps.
In response to the war and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, International Medical Corps has deployed a field hospital to provide lifesaving medical care to civilians affected by the conflict. The Los Angeles-based global first responder is taking a multi-pronged approach to ensure continuity of care in Gaza, focusing on increasing access to health and mental health services while ensuring a steady supply of critical medicines, supplies and training to those who need it.
To meet these goals, International Medical Corps established a field hospital in southern Gaza that is helping restore lifesaving health services to the region, including surgical care for trauma, physical rehabilitation, comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care, advanced mental health services and more. There are six to 10 beds to support the emergency room, 20 beds for post-operative care in the surgical ward, 10 beds in the postnatal ward and 20 beds for inpatient management of acute medical conditions. In addition, there is a four-bed Level 1 intensive-care unit, two operating theaters, a fully stocked pharmacy, X-ray and ultrasound machines, a laboratory and blood-transfusion services.
Field hospital staff provide inpatient and emergency-care services 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, while providing essential outpatient services during daylight hours. The facility is able to serve several hundred patients per day.
International Medical Corps coordinates with functioning facilities in Gaza to support patient referrals and ensure continuity of care wherever possible. To further extend health access and help overcome barriers to care for the most vulnerable, International Medical Corps will provide services throughout the region by working with trusted partners.
“Thanks to the generous support of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and other donors, International Medical Corps is able to provide lifesaving care for civilians in an environment where healthcare infrastructure has been severely compromised,” said Nancy A. Aossey, President and CEO of International Medical Corps. “Due to the courage and commitment of our teams, we are able to restore access to health services for people in critical need of immediate as well as long-term health assistance.”
International Medical Corps has been operating in Gaza since 2008, implementing emergency preparedness and response programs, and providing services in primary and secondary healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, and gender-based violence prevention and response through longstanding partnerships with local organizations. Before the beginning of the conflict in October, the organization had almost 70 staff members providing services in Gaza; it now has more than 200 staff there.