A Turkish MOH Delegation Visits PRCS

 (Al-Bireh– 18/12/2017): PRCS’ Director General Dr. Khaled Joudeh received at the Society’s headquarters in Al- Bireh a Turkish delegation comprising Dr. Salam Celic, Director General of the External Relations and European Union Unit at the Turkish Ministry of Health, Mr. Bülent Korkmaz, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Representative in Palestine, and several other officials.

Dr. Joudeh spoke about humanitarian conditions in the oPt, especially given recent developments following US President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He also touched on oppressive measures taken by Israeli occupation authorities as well as on health and social services provided in Palestine and in refugee camps in Syria and Lebanon via tens of PRCS’ hospitals, clinics and social and health centers. “Given recent developments, PRCS increased its readiness and put its crews on alert in order to provide the best emergency services to Palestinians”, he said.

Dr. Joudeh highlighted the deep ties that exist between the Palestinian and Turkish Red Crescent Societies. He lauded the active role played by the Turkish Society and underlined the need to continue joint action with a view to offering the best health and relief services, especially in the besieged Gaza Strip. He thanked the Turkish government for the continuous support it has provided to Palestinians in general, and to Gaza Strip residents in particular.

Dr. Celic affirmed that the Turkish Red Crescent Society is keen on building Palestinians’ resilience and developing the health sector in the Gaza Strip to enable it to meet local needs. He lauded the key humanitarian and health roles played by PRCS, especially in the fields of Emergency Medical Services, relief action and humanitarian support via its hospitals and clinics in the Gaza Strip. “Our Society stands ready to offer training and educational courses with a view to exchanging experiences and know-how between doctors at the two Societies. We are also ready to help in the field of hospital and health centre management”, he added.

In the coming days, the Turkish delegation shall visit PRCS’ hospital in occupied Jerusalem to discuss means to enhance mutual cooperation.

At the end of their visit to PRCS’ headquarters, delegation members visited various PRCS’ departments and got better acquainted with their work.

End.