QRCS supports medical training for Gaza physicians

IN the training room at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, Dr Amal Abu Kirsh was among her colleagues attending the endoscopy training funded by the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) to discuss the results of the training day when they learned about the main endoscopy equipment.

“I attended the training to join the Palestinian Board in surgery after my graduation from the school of medicine,” said Dr Abu Kirsh. “Frankly, I acquired new skills, such as using the latest equipment and techniques of endoscopy.”

She said the training would enable her to perform endoscopic procedures and to comply with international medical protocols when taking care of patients.

Under this $ 0,000 programme, 0 physicians were divided into six groups to enhance their endoscopy skills. It is part of the QRCS project to support specialised surgery services in Gaza.

As regards the stages of training, Dr. Sobhi Skeik, endoscopy trainer at the AlAhli Arab Hospital, indicated that, over the last 0 years, endoscopy has been used in areas such as cardiothoracic, laparoscopic, cardiovascular and arthroscopic surgery to ensure minimally invasive insertion.

“At the training center, we have four stages of training,” explained Dr. Skeik. “There is the theoretical background, followed by training simulation in which the trainees are introduced to ways of dissection, cutting, relocation, stitching, and attachment in the interior of the body. Then, a biological training simulation is done, by applying the procedures to turkeys, as they are physically similar to human muscles and tissues”.

In the fourth stage, the interns are engaged in surgery to watch and learn, and they observe the patients in the department. According to him, such practical aspects of endoscopy are lacking in the local medical education curriculum. In his view, this advanced training would improve the ability of graduate physicians to adopt modern endoscopic methodologies and guidelines.

QRCS pays attention to the capacity-building of Gaza’s medical professionals. In addition to the Gaza Surgical Services Support project, it enhances surgical specialties like cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and urology. Also, it sponsors postgraduate programs, including Master of Health Policies and Management and Diploma of Anesthesia and ICU. Last, it supports the treatment of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). The overall budget for these activities is $1. million.