Indonesian NGO Says Donation-Funded Hospital in Gaza Ready for President Joko to Launch

Jakarta Globe, Herman Genie, Jun 20, 2015

President Joko Widodo has shown his strong support for the hospital, dubbed
 Indonesia Hospital, and plans to officiate the opening ceremony. (Antara Photo/
Andika Wahyu)

Jakarta. An Indonesian humanitarian group in Palestine has said their donation-funded hospital is ready for operation and expects President Joko Widodo himself to launch the health center.

Hendry Hidayatullah, chairman of the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), said on Friday that the group had signed on Monday an MoU with Palestine’s Health Ministry for the hospital, dubbed the Indonesia Hospital, which aims to provide medical services to the local residents in the conflict-ridden Gaza strip.

“The Indonesia Hospital is now ready for use, although there still some equipment that needs to be installed,” Hendry said on Friday.

“The Palestine Health Ministry have also readied local human resources who will be on duty and also to train people to operate the medical equipment,” he added.

According to Hendry, the hospital cost some Rp 120 billion ($9 million) which was wholly donated by the people of Indonesia, adding that the medical center was also designed by Indonesian volunteers in Palestine.

“This is the biggest hospital in Gaza built by the people of Indonesia — without government funds nor people from other countries,” Hendry said. “This proves that Indonesians’ sense for humanity is very high.”

According to Hendry, the group spoke with the president on June 17 where Joko said he admired the support that have been given by the Indonesian public in founding the hospital.

“The president also said that he would like to officiate the Indonesia Hospital in the Gaza Strip,” said Hendry. “Hopefully, [the launch] will be soon. We’re still matching it with the president’s schedule.”

Located in Beit Lahia — a city in the Gaza Strip north of Jabalia, near Beit Hanoun and the 1949 Armistice Line with Israel — the Indonesia Hospital covers some 16,261 square meters land. The health center, which is for traumatology and rehabilitation, has two levels and a basement; four surgery rooms; and a capacity of 100 bedrooms and 10 intensive care unit (ICU) rooms.

The hospital, which saw its first construction activity in May 2011, also features a laboratory, radiology room, blood bank and physiotherapy room.