Transforming Healthcare: West Bank’s First Rehabilitation Outpatient Centers Opened with Korean Funding, WHO, and UNOPS Support

New Rehabilitation Centers Open in the West Bank

On May 6, 2025, two new outpatient rehabilitation centers opened in Ramallah and Qabatiya, marking a significant step for healthcare in the West Bank. The inauguration was attended by key figures, including the Palestinian Minister of Health, the head of the Korean representative office, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

These facilities are the first of their kind in the West Bank, fully integrated into the public health system and operated by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Access to rehabilitation services in the region has been limited, with fewer than one rehabilitation bed available per 100,000 people. Most services have been provided by non-governmental organizations, while the demand for rehabilitation has only risen, largely due to ongoing violence and increasing chronic health issues like diabetes and stroke.

The new centers aim to address the urgent need for specialized neurological rehabilitation, serving about 700,000 residents. They will focus on conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Majed Abu Ramadan, the Minister of Health, expressed the significance of this initiative: “Today marks a crucial development for countless Palestinians. With these centers, we are taking a vital step to meet immediate healthcare needs and improve the quality of life for many."

To ensure high-quality services, 28 professionals have been recruited. Each center has a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health specialists. These teams have received training from WHO consultants to implement effective rehabilitation techniques.

According to Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, these centers bring essential care into the public system and set an important example for rehabilitation services. He stated, “We are proud to support the Ministry of Health to make quality care accessible."

Furthermore, Mr. Koh Youngkul, head of the Korean representative office, highlighted the collaborative effort between Korea and Palestine. This partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to human dignity and healthcare improvement.

Statistics show that having publicly accessible rehabilitation services can greatly enhance community health. A recent study published by the WHO indicated that integrated rehabilitation services can reduce the long-term effects of disabilities, promoting independence and a better quality of life for patients.

The centers are expected to conduct 250-300 therapeutic sessions each week, providing individualized programs tailored to each patient’s needs. As these facilities fill a critical gap in healthcare services in the northern and middle West Bank, they promise not only to support clinical recovery but also to facilitate community reintegration.

For more insights, visit the WHO’s official page on rehabilitation services here.

Source link