The Floating Hospital Providing Healing and Hope Near Gaza
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a beacon of hope shines in the form of a floating hospital near Arish, northern Egypt. This unique medical facility, funded and operated by the United Arab Emirates, is not just treating physical wounds but also providing much-needed emotional support to children and adults traumatized by months of terrifying war.
Healing the Physical and Emotional Wounds
The hospital, located on a converted ship, has treated approximately 2,400 patients since its inception. Among the patients are child amputees and elderly individuals in wheelchairs, all seeking relief from the devastation of war. Deputy medical director Abdullah Al-Zahmi emphasizes the importance of not only addressing the physical injuries but also providing emotional care to those in need.
One such patient is nine-year-old Yazan, who was brought to the hospital without his parents and had to undergo a leg amputation due to his injuries. Despite the challenges he faces, Yazan is embraced by the hospital staff, who treat him like family. Through psychological and social rehabilitation, Yazan is slowly regaining his strength and resilience, with dreams of playing football and reuniting with his parents in Gaza.
Comprehensive Care and Support
The floating hospital offers a range of medical services, including surgical procedures, intensive care, X-ray facilities, and pharmacy services. With a team of 60 dedicated staff members specializing in various fields, the hospital ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their needs.
In addition to medical treatment, the hospital provides communal spaces for relaxation and recreation, as well as high-speed internet access for communication with relatives in Gaza or elsewhere. Patients who require further treatment beyond what the hospital can provide are either flown to the UAE for specialized care or transferred to Egyptian hospitals with the support of the Emirates Red Crescent.
A Lifeline for Families Affected by Conflict
For families like Fadia Al-Madhun’s, who have lost their home and loved ones in bombings, the floating hospital offers a lifeline of support and compassion. Fadia recounts the harrowing experience of fleeing her home during an attack, leaving behind everything they owned. The hospital not only tends to her husband’s injuries but also provides much-needed psychological support for their children.
Dr. Al-Zahmi acknowledges the profound impact of war on families, noting that while they strive to provide comfort and solace, the wounds of loss run deep and linger in the memory. Despite the challenges they face, the hospital staff remain committed to offering healing and hope to those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
In a region plagued by violence and uncertainty, the floating hospital stands as a symbol of resilience and compassion, offering a glimmer of light in the darkness of war. Through their dedication to providing holistic care and support, the staff at the hospital are not only healing physical wounds but also nurturing the spirit of hope and resilience in those they serve.