As part of its interventions to develop the health sector in Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has provided Palestine Red Crescent Society's (PRCS) Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza with a solar power system, to mitigate the impact of power outages on the blockade, which last for over 12 hours a day.
Dr. Akram Nassar, head of QRCS's representation office in Gaza, said the project would help ensure the continuity of health services for patients at the hospital's facilities.
Under the QR 1.6 million project, 498 solar panels were installed to supply the hospital with 323-kilowatt electricity.
Dr. Bashar Murad, Director-General of PRCS – Gaza, said the organization's hospitals badly needed power supply 24/7 to continue to provide high-quality and life-saving health services, such as cardiac surgeries and catheterizations, dialysis sessions, as well as departments of surgery, intensive care, and emergency.
“This intervention by QRCS to provide Al-Quds Hospital with solar power will help deal with the lack of power supply needed to operate the hospital," he added. “Now, the monthly operating expenses bill for generators and fuel are 40% less, which means reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution".
QRCS has many projects to provide renewable energy in Gaza, to ensure the continuity of services for the residents of the blockade. These projects supported many health centers, local universities, and homes of poor families in several governorates in Gaza.