In solidarity with the local community, Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem held a free health day earlier this week under the title "We Are Here for All the Children in Palestine”.
The event was a great success, providing much-needed support to many people affected by the adverse socio-economic consequences of the ongoing war since October. Many families have been unable to afford even subsidized treatment fees.
Approximately 250 patients benefited from free medication and services, including physical examinations in the outpatient clinic, dietary consultations, psychosocial counseling, and laboratory and radiology tests. The children also enjoyed fun activities organized by the Band of Smile, the hospital's clowns group.
Reem Hazboun, the head nurse in the outpatient Department, commented, "Despite the large number of attendees, the team worked in harmony with notable efficiency. All staff members were proud to play a part in relieving some burdens of children and families during this difficult time”.
Most patients who attended the event came from the city of Bethlehem and neighboring villages, despite the financial incentive, due to ongoing imposed movement restrictions by the Israeli Forces in the West Bank since the war began.
Laila, a mother of two children with kidney and heart problems, expressed her gratitude: "We are thankful for this day. My children urgently needed medical tests that I couldn't afford, and CBH offered them for free”.
It is important to highlight that CBH's social team has been responding to increasing requests for financial support from the local community since last October. The halt in tourism, Bethlehem’s main source of income, has left many families facing financial and social insecurity.
