Jordan dispatches maternity and neonatal field hospital to Gaza in mid-November

AMMAN — The Director General of the Royal Medical Services  Maj.  Gen. Yousef Zureikat has announced that the Jordanian field hospital "Maternity and Neonatal/Khan Younis" is expected to be sent to the Gaza Strip in mid-November.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Zureikat said that the "unique hospital, the first of its kind in the world, was assembled and prepared under the royal directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, with direct supervision from the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces."

The field hospital, inaugurated at King Hussein Medical City in the presence of His Majesty, was established in cooperation with the "Bios Project of America" and will be part of the Jordanian field hospital in Khan Younis, dubbed as "Khan Younis 4".

 Zureikat added that the new hospital will complement the advanced medical services that include complex surgeries and mobile prosthetic limbs, enhancing Jordan's ability to provide necessary medical aid amidst the humanitarian challenges facing Gaza.

The hospital includes four operating rooms for natural and cesarean deliveries, three rooms for natural births, and 30 postnatal beds and is also equipped with 52 incubators for premature infants, fully prepared to handle the high number of complex deliveries, he said. 

 "The hospital contains laboratories, a pharmacy, accommodation and dining facilities, and a solar power unit to ensure uninterrupted operations even during power outages."

The hospital will be managed by a medical team of 82 members from various branches of the Royal Medical Services, he said, adding that coordination was underway with Gaza Municipality and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the "Bios Project of America," to finalise the hospital's location near the main hospital in Gaza.

Zureikat added the joint efforts with charitable organisations and international entities to provide the necessary aid. "As Jordanians, we are committed to this mission, and we will do what we can in this regard."

Lt. Col. Khadija Khalifat, Assistant for Nursing Affairs and Medical Professions, explained the involvement of Jordanian women in the medical team not only enhances the quality of care provided but also fosters a sense of solidarity and support among women across borders.

She added that Jordanian nursing staff undergo continuous training and qualification courses that ensure they are fully prepared to deal with such humanitarian missions. "We are proud of our role, and we are ready for any challenge we might face."

Khalifat also said that women giving birth in the field hospital will be discharged immediately after delivery due to the difficult circumstances in Gaza. "Women will be provided with guidance on how to care for themselves and their newborns, and the hospital will remain open 24/7 to provide necessary medical care in case of complications."

This hospital is part of Jordan's ongoing efforts to support the Palestinian people in the difficult circumstances of Gaza, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing humanitarian aid in all international forums.