ReliefWeb

January 2nd, 2021 ― Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched the 2nd surgical mission at the De Martini General Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. At a total cost of QR 336,150, a local team of surgeons will perform 200 surgeries for poor patients, who will also receive initial examinations, pre- and post-procedure care, and medical prescriptions free of charge.

Another aspect of the mission is to build the capacity of the hospital’s medical staff, by engaging them in the operating room.

Dr. Abdul-Razak Yousef, Director of the De Martini General Hospital, said, “This is the second surgical mission to be launched by QRCS’s representation mission. It will cover more critical cases at the hospital. The first episode was totally successful. I would like to thank the State of Qatar and QRCS for their efforts to support the health sector of Somalia”. The ongoing mission focuses on the newly displaced and conflict-affected local community of Mogadishu, Benaadir Region. So far, 80 major surgeries have been performed (thyroidectomy, laparotomy, cholecystectomy, amputation, abdominal hernia repair, removal of abdominal tumors, hemorrhoidectomy, urinary fistula surgery, breast cancer surgery, reconstructive burn surgery, removal of benign tumors, varicocelectomy, and C-section).

Since 2006, QRCS has been carrying out health projects in Somalia. It operates the Afgooye General Hospital and the TB and Multidrug-Resistant TB Center. Other projects include the provision of health care services in Bay and Sool Regions, as well as many other medical programs across the country.

End of Text

About Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS)

Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is a humanitarian volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.

QRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and 191 National Societies. QRCS is also a member of several GCC, Arab, and Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Committee of International Crescent and the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO). In this legally recognized capacity, QRCS has access to disaster and conflict zones, thus serving as an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts — a role that distinguishes it from other local charities and NGOs.

QRCS operates both locally and internationally and has ongoing international relief and development projects in a number of countries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. QRCS's humanitarian actions include providing support in disaster preparedness, disaster response, risk reduction, and disaster recovery. To mitigate the impact of disasters and improve the livelihoods of affected populations, QRCS provides medical services, healthcare, and social development to local communities. It is also active at the humanitarian advocacy front. With the help of a vast network of trained, committed staff and volunteers, QRCS aspires to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

QRCS works under the umbrella of the seven international humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.