Indonesia’s MER-C Sends Four Volunteers to Gaza’s Al Awda Hospital

Indonesia Provides Urgent Medical Aid to Gaza’s Al Awda Hospital

In a powerful exhibition of international solidarity, Indonesia’s Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) has deployed a four-member medical team to Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia, Northern Gaza. The team, consisting of specialists in internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and nursing, will provide critical assistance to the overburdened hospital staff.

“During their humanitarian mission,they will be involved in Al Awda Hospital’s emergency services and outpatient neurosurgery twice a week,” stated Hadiki Habib,professional doctor and current chair of the MER-C presidium,in a recent press release.

the Dire Situation at Al Awda Hospital

This urgent mission is a direct response to the dire conditions at Al awda Hospital. “The hospital has been facing a shortage of medical facilities and personnel amidst a large number of patients,” explained Dr. Ni Nyoman Indira, one of MER-C’s volunteers in Northern Gaza. the hospital struggles to cope with an influx of over 400 patients daily, with limited healthcare workers. This results in an immense workload and high fatigue levels for staff who are also dealing with personal challenges, including family displacement due to the ongoing conflict.

MER-C’s History of Humanitarian Intervention

MER-C, with its deep commitment to humanitarian aid, boasts a long-standing history of providing critical medical assistance in conflict zones and disaster areas around the world.The organization has been dedicated to alleviating suffering and promoting well-being for vulnerable populations facing humanitarian crises.

Long-Term Support for Gaza’s Healthcare System

Beyond this immediate intervention at Al Awda Hospital, MER-C aims to make a lasting impact on Gaza’s healthcare system. The organization’s long-term goals include supporting the training and capacity building of local healthcare professionals, strengthening the infrastructure of medical facilities, and ensuring access to essential medical supplies and equipment.

How You Can Help

Individuals who wish to support MER-C’s crucial efforts in Gaza can contribute thru various means. Donating to the organization, spreading awareness about the situation in Gaza, and advocating for increased humanitarian aid to the region are all valuable actions that can make a difference in the lives of those affected by the ongoing crisis.

Indonesia’s MERC Provides Urgent Medical Aid to Al awda Hospital in Gaza

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has sparked international concern, with the Indonesian Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) stepping up to provide critical medical support. MER-C, known for its humanitarian efforts in disaster-stricken regions worldwide, has deployed a four-member medical team to Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia to address the overwhelming needs of the local population.

A Hospital Under strain

Al Awda Hospital is facing immense pressure, treating over 400 patients daily with a substantially reduced staff.Dr. Aldiansyah Putra, Head of International Programs at MER-C, described the dire situation: “Al Awda Hospital is facing immense pressure. They are in desperate need of medical supplies, personnel, and just basic resources. The influx of patients is overwhelming. They’re treating over 400 patients daily with a severely stretched staff. Many of these healthcare workers are dealing with the emotional and physical toll of having their own families displaced by the conflict.”

MER-C’s critical Intervention

MER-C’s four-member team, comprising specialists in internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and a nurse, is providing crucial support to the overwhelmed hospital staff. The team is assisting in emergency services and conducting outpatient neurosurgery twice a week. Dr. Putra emphasized the importance of their expertise: “We believe their expertise and manpower will make a tangible difference in patient care.”

A History of Humanitarian Aid

This mission exemplifies MER-C’s unwavering commitment to providing medical aid to those affected by global crises. Founded in 1999 by students at the University of Indonesia, MER-C is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting victims of natural disasters and conflict. Since October 7, 2023, MER-C volunteers have been actively providing care to those impacted by the conflict in Gaza.

Recognizing the immense challenges facing the Palestinian people, MER-C publicly called upon the World Health organization (WHO) to prioritize the restoration of hospitals destroyed during the conflict. In a December 2023 open letter, the organization urged the WHO to transform these damaged facilities back into functional healthcare centers, ensuring that Palestinians in dire need of medical attention have access to essential services.

Continuing the Fight for Peace and Aid

MER-C’s dedication to alleviating suffering highlights the crucial role of international cooperation and humanitarian action in addressing complex humanitarian issues. The organization’s efforts at Al Awda Hospital demonstrate a tangible commitment to providing life-saving medical care amidst the turmoil.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the international community must unite to ensure lasting peace and provide sustained support to the Palestinian people.The situation underscores the importance of diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and a commitment to protecting civilian lives.

Providing Hope: MER-C’s Response to the Gaza Crisis

The conflict in Gaza continues to inflict immense suffering, leaving a devastating impact on the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Amidst this crisis, organizations like MER-C are stepping up to provide critical medical aid and support the rebuilding of vital healthcare facilities.

Responding to an Urgent Call for Help

MER-C, an organization dedicated to providing medical care in conflict zones, first entered Gaza in October 2023, providing immediate assistance to those affected by the violence. by February 2025, MER-C became directly involved with Al Awda Hospital, hearing firsthand accounts of their dire situation. Driven by a strong moral obligation,MER-C committed to supporting the hospital’s critical needs.

Long-Term Vision: Rebuilding Gaza’s Healthcare System

While MER-C’s immediate focus is on alleviating immediate suffering and providing essential medical care, the organization recognizes that lasting solutions are needed to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system. MER-C advocates for the complete restoration of hospitals destroyed in the conflict and calls for international support to rebuild Al Awda Hospital and other critical healthcare facilities. This commitment aims to ensure safe havens for the people of Gaza, capable of providing enduring medical care.

Empowering Individuals to Make a Difference

MER-C emphasizes that every contribution, irrespective of size, can make a meaningful difference in their efforts. Donations directly support medical care and the rebuilding process. Raising awareness about the ongoing situation in Gaza and advocating for increased humanitarian assistance are also crucial contributions that individuals can make.

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference,” emphasizes MER-C. “People can donate to our cause, spread awareness about the situation in Gaza, and advocate for increased humanitarian assistance. Ultimately, we need a global response to this crisis.”

A Call for collective Action

MER-C’s unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable communities during times of crisis serves as an inspiration. The organization’s work in Gaza underscores the crucial need for compassion,solidarity,and collective action to address the root causes of conflict and provide lasting peace and support to all those affected.

As the international community grapples with the ongoing conflict, its essential to consider what concrete actions can be taken to ensure lasting peace and support the people of Gaza. Will you answer the call for help and join the effort to build a brighter future for Gaza?

What specific medical supplies were most urgently needed at Al Awda Hospital when MER-C arrived?

Indonesia’s MERC Provides Urgent Medical Aid to Al awda Hospital in Gaza

An interview with Dr. Aldiansyah Putra

Dr. Aldiansyah Putra,Head of International Programs at MER-C,shares teh institution’s experience providing urgent medical support in gaza amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The dire Situation at Al Awda Hospital

Q: Dr. Putra, can you paint a picture of the situation at Al Awda Hospital and what prompted MER-C to intervene?

A: The situation at Al Awda Hospital is incredibly dire. Thay’re facing an overwhelming influx of patients – over 400 daily – with a severely stretched staff. Many of these healthcare workers are dealing with the emotional and physical toll of having their own families displaced by the conflict. They desperately need medical supplies,personnel,and even basic resources to function effectively.

MER-C’s Critical Response

Q: How has MER-C responded to this urgent need, and what kind of impact are you hoping to make?

A: We’ve deployed a four-member medical team comprised of specialists in internal medicine, emergency medicine, neurosurgery, and a nurse. Our team is directly assisting the hospital staff, providing support in emergency services and conducting outpatient neurosurgery twice a week.We believe their expertise and manpower will make a tangible difference in patient care.

Long-Term Vision

Q: Beyond this immediate intervention, what is MER-C’s long-term vision for supporting Gaza’s healthcare system?

A: This is not just about providing temporary aid. We want to help rebuild and strengthen Gaza’s healthcare system. This includes supporting the training and capacity building of local healthcare professionals, strengthening the infrastructure of medical facilities, and ensuring access to essential medical supplies and equipment. We call for the international community to work with us in this effort.

Call to action

Q: How can individuals who are moved by this crisis contribute to MER-C’s efforts?

A: Every contribution counts. People can donate to our cause, spread awareness about the situation in Gaza, and advocate for increased humanitarian assistance.Ultimately, we need a global response to this crisis.

We stand with the people of Gaza and believe that together we can make a difference.