The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday the refurbishment of the emergency department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, marking the initial phase of the enclave's effort to rebuild its medical system.
It had been out of service since the Israeli bombardments destroyed it in March this year.
The newly opened emergency department in the hospital is considered the largest in the Gaza Strip. It is equipped with 70 beds and an operating room, in addition to intensive care beds. The department was funded by international charitable organizations in order to strengthen the health sector in the stricken city.
"We have reopened the first building in the destroyed Al-Shifa Medical Complex, where the outpatient department has been modified to become a reception and an emergency department, serving Gaza City and the north," said Moatasem Salah, head of the Health Emergency Committee.
Al-Shifa Hospital was reduced to rubble, and the cardiology and specialized surgery departments were destroyed. At least 115 beds in the emergency department were burned during the last Israeli invasion in March.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has announced that this marks the initial phase in the reconstruction of its health care infrastructure following wartime destruction. More hospitals will reopen following enhancements and refurbishments.
"We have a massive plan of 20 projects to rehabilitate the health system. There are 100 beds in the maternity building that are currently being equipped with operating rooms, in addition to [repair and rehabilitation] projects for the Eye Hospital and Al-Rantisi Hospital, in order to reactivate the healthcare system in Gaza City and the north," said Munir Al-Barsh, director general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The Israeli army launched systematic campaigns against the hospitals in the Gaza Strip during the war, claiming that they were being used by Hamas.
The World Health Organization described the destruction of Al-Shifa Hospital in March as "removing the heart of the health system" from the Strip.
Al-Shifa Complex is the backbone of the Palestinian health system in Gaza. Its rehabilitation has raised hopes among Palestinians that it will be the starting point for the reconstruction of the rest of the city, even if only partially.
Al-shifa Hospital reopens as Gaza Strip struggles to rebuild its medical system
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
