Gaza: The Story Continues

A brief word from Mr. John Talbot

The Gaza Clinic has been disproportionately important to St. John since it was opened in 1992.  Although small – one operating theatre and two small consulting rooms form the core of the clinic – it has been greatly valued in Gaza City from the outset.  I was lucky enough to make a return visit on 12^th January, 2011, and it was extraordinary to be warmly welcomed by the militia at the Hamas checkpoint, as well as by others outside the clinic during our visit.  All had warm words to say about the contribution St. John makes to the lives of the Palestinian people, and to the Gazans in particular, and about the integrity and reliability of our work.

The clinic has struggled through some very difficult times.  Despite these, we have continued to see and treat patients, although it is regrettably true that we are now no longer the major contributor to eye care in the Gaza Strip.  Other smarter and better funded units have taken over.

It was with pleasure that, on this visit, Dr. Kamal Okasha was appointed as acting Clinical Director.  Dr. Jom'a El Jazzar, the former senior surgeon at the Clinic, has retired after nearly 20 years of valued service, both in Jerusalem and Gaza.  Dr. Jom'a’s successor is a talented cataract and corneal surgeon, trained in the West, and focused on caring for his people in Gaza.  Within days of his appointment, Dr. Kamal had transformed the previously run down Clinic into a clean and vibrant department in which the staff are bursting with optimism for the future.

During our visit we also appointed a well established Gazan ophthalmologist, Dr. Ahmed El-Halimi, who has particular expertise in laser treatment as well as in a number of paediatric and oculoplastic surgical procedures, all of which fill gaps in our capabilities.  He is most welcome and I am sure will make a great contribution to the work of St. John.

In the two and half years since my appointment, there have been many frustrations in our attempts to move to larger premises in Gaza City.  This is becoming more important now for several reasons, not the least of which is the drop in our profile in the territory. 

However, apart form the considerable cost of such an enterprise, many problems have prevented progress:  Operation Cast Lead two years ago; the embargo on building materials; the difficulty in establishing legal title to any property we may wish to rent or buy.

These difficulties have eased in recent months – although there should be no doubt that the Strip is the centre of continuing low level fighting and there is always the prospect of another war – and we are now in the final stages of strategic planning for the next three years, in which the Gaza Clinic will feature heavily.

Chairman, John Talbot