On Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited the Specialized Hospital for Rehabilitation and Surgery in Beit Jala, to learn about its condition amid the constraints the country is going through, as well as hear about their latest achievements and developments in the various medical departments.
He was welcomed by Mr. Elie Shehadeh, General Manager, Dr. Bishara Abu Ghanam, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. George Kawas, Treasurer, at the entrance of the hospital before visiting the different departments of the hospital. During the tour, H.B. Card. Pizzaballa learned about the different kinds of patients they care for, as well as the various medical services provided to the Bethlehem governorate in particular, and the homeland in general.
After the field visit, a special meeting was held with the board members and several medical staff: Dr. Samir Hazboun, Ms. Susan Al-Sahouri, Mr. Mehran Al-Tawil, Director of Programs and Development, Dr. Nizar Qumsiyeh, Medical Director, and Ms. Amira Qudat, Funding Coordinator. His Beatitude listened to the role and work of the hospital, its future projects, and its vision of creating job opportunities and developing new departments, to ensure the stability of the hospital and the continuation of its services.
Card. Pizzaballa expressed his satisfaction at the sophistication and professionalism of the medical staff, despite the difficulties they face, valuing their essential role, saying: "I believe that this place is a precious jewel in Palestine. We will work hard to develop and continue providing its services to the sick and needy."
