Jerusalem Fund Agency Launches Second Phase of Free Medical Campaigns in Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Fund Agency, affiliated with the Committee for Jerusalem chaired by King the King, has launched the second phase of its free medical campaign project in the Jerusalem Governorate. The initiative began in the town of Biddu, northwest of the city, aiming to improve citizens' access to healthcare services, particularly in areas facing difficulties reaching medical facilities. Approximately 150 citizens benefited on the first day of this phase, which is supported by the Moroccan Akdital Health Group and in partnership with Astra Lab. Services offered include pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, obstetrics, and ophthalmology, along with mobile laboratory tests. The agency stated that this new phase builds on the success of the first and addresses the ongoing need for healthcare in Jerusalem's suburbs. The second phase is structured into three parts: October focuses on breast cancer awareness and early detection; November targets men's health and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension; and December addresses the health of the elderly and disabled, including mental health consultations and home care workshops. Mufida Mohammed Hamdan, head of the Women's Center in Biddu, highlighted the campaign's coordination with various local entities to serve residents in northwest Jerusalem, including Biddu, Al-Qubeiba, and Qatanna. She noted the campaign coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and included lectures and general medical services. Hamdan praised Moroccan support and expressed hope for year-round campaigns and medication provision. Dalia Jaradat, director of Astra Lab in Palestine, emphasized the campaign's role in health awareness and early detection, noting its importance in identifying health needs and facilitating access to services amid movement restrictions. She also appreciated the support from the agency and Morocco. Muwaffaq Al-Khateeb, head of the West Jerusalem Youth Unit, stressed the importance of these free campaigns in alleviating health and economic burdens, especially under Israeli occupation restrictions. He thanked Morocco and the Jerusalem Fund Agency and called for continued support for health, education, and agricultural projects to bolster Jerusalemites' resilience. Beneficiary Manal Ibrahim Badwan expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting it reduces financial burdens given the high cost of private medical services, and hoped for expanded services including medication. Yusra Mohammed Ali Alwan also benefited from eye exams and medical advice, stating that local services reduce treatment costs and travel difficulties, and she called for continued and expanded initiatives, particularly free medication for the needy. The first phase of the agency's medical campaign project, launched on February 15, included 24 medical days across 31 areas in the Jerusalem Governorate, benefiting around 2,500 citizens, with over 100 cases referred to hospitals.