Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem has inaugurated a new Endoscopy Unit and reopened an upgraded Adult Kidney Care Unit, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event, held on 23 June 2026, was attended by European Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann, alongside hospital and UNDP officials. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network, improving access to advanced diagnostic and treatment services for Palestinian patients, including those from Gaza, though access remains hindered by closed crossings.
The initiative is part of a broader EU-funded project, “Strengthening the capacity of East Jerusalem Hospitals, to expand health care services and improve financial sustainability, with particular focus on Al Makassed Hospital and Augusta Victoria hospitals,” implemented by UNDP. The project targets three areas: enhancing surgical care at Al Makassed Hospital, upgrading kidney care, and expanding cancer care at AVH through the new endoscopy unit. AVH CEO Dr. Fadi Atrash highlighted the partnership’s positive impact on financial sustainability and support for vulnerable groups, including patients, children, women, and older people. EU Representative Stutzmann called for the reopening of crossings so that Gaza patients can access treatment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to resilient healthcare amid financial and political challenges. UNDP Deputy Special Representative Margunn Indreboe Sheikh described the project as a practical model of strategic partnership to safeguard the right to health.
On the sidelines, the EU organized a recreational activity for children from Al-Israr School and child cancer survivors, underscoring the importance of psychosocial support alongside medical treatment. The project is expected to enhance the financial stability of East Jerusalem hospitals by expanding specialized care services, benefiting Palestinian patients, healthcare providers, and the broader health system. No prior EU coverage of this specific project exists in the last 180 days.