About the Ibdaa Health Committee (IHC)

The intensifying Israeli military occupation coupled with the lack of essential medical and mental health services inspired Ibdaa and local healthcare professionals to establish the Ibdaa Health Committee (IHC) in June 2003 to respond to the urgent health needs of the population. In Dheisheh, 89.6% of residents rely on UNRWA health services because the cost of private or government insurance is prohibitively expensive. The UNRWA clinic is staffed by only one part-time doctor and is not equipped to deal with many medical conditions since they have no specialists and minimal equipment. There are adequate medical facilities for most conditions available at other clinics and hospitals within the Bethlehem district, but many families cannot afford them unless referred by UNRWA and even then UNRWA may only cover 50-60% of the costs incurred at other medical facilities.

Connecting Health with Human Rights and Dignity

Connecting health with human rights and dignity constitutes one of the IHC's core aims. The committee is comprised of volunteer nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors, sociologists, psychologists and other interested persons. The IHC members are committed to improving the overall healthcare system for Palestinians residing both within Dheisheh Refugee Camp and the greater Bethlehem area.   Through the spirit of voluntarism and teamwork, the IHC provides critically needed medical and mental health services through education, prevention, treatment and professional training. The Health Committee works at the local level within important spheres: the community, healthcare professionals, and medical organizations.

Objectives

Through the spirit of voluntarism and team work, the aim of the IHC is to improve the overall healthcare situation within the Bethlehem area and, in particular for Palestinian refugees. This is accomplished through work within three main areas:

• Community
• Professional Development
• Coordination among Healthcare organizations

The Community

• Increase people’s awareness of healthcare issues
• Assess the healthcare needs of and services for the community
• Empower individuals to become active participants in improving the overall quality of the healthcare system.

Professional Development

• Foster enthusiasm among healthcare professionals.
• Promote a community based approach as the basis for healthcare intervention.
• Foster cooperative relationships and a sense of belonging among healthcare professionals.
• Promote education and skill development among healthcare professionals.
• Improve the continuity of care and integration of healthcare services among the various healthcare organizations.

Medical Organizations

• Promote the development of cooperative and collaborative endeavors within the healthcare system.
• Enhance the quality of healthcare organizations.
• Participate in developing a uniform high quality healthcare policy.

The health committee strives toreach its objectives through an integration of services with other healthcare organizations based on the principle of cooperation

IHC Activities

•  Cancer Prevention & Support Committee which provides services such as prevention, education workshops, treatment, and research on the prevalence and causes of cancer.

•  Provide free and discounted eyeglasses, hearing aids, and reconstructive surgery for dozens of children and adults each year

•  Organize public awareness and prevention workshops on diabetes, nutrition, and reproductive health for Dheisheh residents

•  Provide monthly open medical screenings for Dheisheh residents that include free consultation, referrals, and treatment

•  Coordinate professional conferences on topics like women's health, child abuse prevention

•  Organize the Diabetes Club which provides free glucometers and supplies; fitness classes; discounted services from Beit Sahour Health clinic; and lectures on food, exercise, foot and body care