SHAH ALAM - The Iltizam Relief Society has been instrumental in restoring essential medical services at the Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza.
After enduring years of attacks, blockades, and shortages, Al Shifa fell silent in April 2024, its infrastructure decimated by violent conflict.
The complex, once a beacon of healthcare with 800 beds across three specialised hospitals—the Surgery Hospital, Internal Medicine Hospital, and Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital—was left in ruins.
However, through the tireless work of the Iltizam Relief Society, the path to recovery began.
The restoration projects initiated by Iltizam brought hope back to Al Shifa. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohd Shah Sapiei, clarified that the funding came from both local and international donors.
"Our funding came from both local and international donors.
"Specifically, for the restoration of the Al Shifa Emergency Department, we received support from Yayasan Hasanah. We are incredibly grateful to them for their generous contribution,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted today.
The restoration efforts were structured into several critical projects aimed at reviving the hospital’s essential departments.
The first major success was the Dialysis Centre, completed on June 24, for USD $81,200.
This facility now provides life-saving dialysis treatment for 1,600 people in Gaza.
"Dialysis treatment is critical for the community, and this was a priority for us,” he said.
The next significant milestone would be the completion of the Emergency Department on Sept 1.
Restored at a cost of $183,240, this department now houses approximately 40 to 50 beds, two surgery rooms, an ICU, and a Diagnostic Radiology Department.
"After consulting with the Gaza Health Ministry, we agreed that renovating the destroyed Emergency Department would be too costly and time-consuming.
"Instead, we converted the outpatient clinic building into this new, fully functioning Emergency Department,” he said.
While these accomplishments breathed new life into the facility, more work remained.
The next project on the horizon was the installation of solar panels for the Central Pharmacy, with a total cost of $130,000. The organisation had already raised $90,000.
"We are currently fundraising for this project. It is crucial to ensure that all medications and vaccines are kept in good condition, particularly given the power shortages in Gaza,” he said.
Though progress had been made, not all departments were fully operational yet.
The Emergency Department and Dialysis Centre were the only sections functioning daily, while other parts of the hospital awaited restoration.
"The urgency of completing the Central Pharmacy project cannot be overstated. It directly impacts the health and well-being of millions of people in Gaza. We encourage all stakeholders to collaborate swiftly so we can secure the necessary funding and complete the project by the end of September, if not sooner,” he added.
Iltizam's ongoing efforts reflected not only the resilience of the people of Gaza but also the power of international solidarity in rebuilding vital infrastructure.