Palestinian Red Crescent Society Implements First Open Heart Surgeries in Gaza After Suspension

SadaNews - Al-Quds Hospital, affiliated with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, has successfully reactivated its cardiac surgery department, performing the first open-heart surgeries in the Gaza Strip after a complete halt of such operations in all health facilities during the war.

The Al-Quds Hospital received two medical teams: the first team from Pal Med, led by Dr. Kifah Alwan, a cardiac surgery consultant from Lebanon, who arrived as part of a medical team coming from France, and the second team from Bama Foundation, headed by Dr. Maryam Sadiq, a specialist in intensive care and anesthesia, along with national medical staff. They collaborated within a comprehensive medical system that included surgery, anesthesia, intensive care, and post-operative follow-up.

On the previous day, the medical teams successfully conducted the first open-heart surgery, marking a significant medical achievement. The patient was then transferred to the intensive care unit designated for open-heart surgery to continue medical monitoring according to established protocols. It is noteworthy that the hospital resumed cardiac and peripheral catheterization operations since the end of August 2025, and recently began installing "pacemaker" devices.

It is important to note that Al-Quds Hospital was providing open-heart surgery services prior to the war; however, the severe damage inflicted on the hospital building and the destruction of vital medical equipment led to the discontinuation of these essential and sensitive operations. Thanks to ongoing efforts to rehabilitate specialized departments and provide necessary technical supplies, the hospital has been able to resume this type of surgery.

The administration of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reaffirms its commitment to continuing efforts to provide health services in various fields, contributing to serving our people and enhancing the resilience of the health sector, within the available capabilities.