UAE opens Prosthetic Limb Centre in Gaza

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated a Prosthetic Limb Centre at its Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant step in its humanitarian mission to aid Palestinians wounded during the Israeli war.

The centre, launched under Operation “Gallant Knight 3” directed by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to provide high-quality prosthetic limbs to those wounded. On its opening day, measurements were taken for 36 patients, with the expectation of assisting over 100 individuals in the coming days.

The centre will offer comprehensive services, including the manufacture of prosthetic limbs, operations by a team of medical professionals, physical therapy and rehabilitation for patients. It responds to the urgent need to support the injured and enable patients to lead normal lives.

The field hospital, established in December 2023, has already treated over 3,500 patients, providing general surgery, orthopaedics, anaesthetic services, intensive care, internal medicine, dentistry, family medicine and psychiatric treatment.

The UAE also recently announced plans to introduce SpaceX's Starlink internet service at the field hospital, facilitating live video medical consultations to patients in Gaza. This initiative aims to overcome communication challenges exacerbated by frequent power cuts since the Israeli attack began.

A floating hospital with 100 beds was dispatched from the UAE to provide medical support to Palestinian patients affected by the war. With operating rooms, intensive care facilities, 100 medical staff and a pharmacy, the vessel serves as a vital lifeline amidst the ongoing crisis.

According to the latest data from the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza has now reached 29,313, with 69,333 reported casualties.