RAMALLAH, May 28, 2025 (WAFA) - Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa reaffirmed on Wednesday the Palestinian Government’s commitment to providing all possible services despite the extensive destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
“We continue to deliver what we can under the current dire conditions,” said the Prime Minister. “A time will come when the Government will have the full and fair opportunity to compensate our people in the Gaza Strip by providing them with comprehensive healthcare and services.”
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the launch of the Palestinian Health System Reform Project (PHSRP), held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Ramallah. The $20 million, five-year project is funded by the World Bank and will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.
“Our efforts are ongoing to stop this unjust war on our people in the Gaza Strip that has persisted for more than 19 months,” Mustafa added. “Our hearts are torn by the horrifying images we see every day, and by the suffering of our people. But our people will ultimately prevail, and our rights will be fully restored.”
He emphasized the importance of this health reform project at the national level, describing it as a core component of the Government’s broader reform and development agenda.
“No citizen is untouched by the health sector,” the Prime Minister stressed, noting that this project is a key part of the Health Services Localization Program adopted by the Government from day one under the guidance of President Mahmoud Abbas.”
Mustafa highlighted that the Government is also advancing parallel programs to enhance financial efficiency, equitable access to services, and service quality, aiming to ensure citizens receive the essential services they need at a fair cost and under an effective and integrated governance system, with further achievements expected in the coming months and years.
Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan explained that the project will support the Government’s plan to localize healthcare services and reform the Palestinian health system. This includes four main components, namely, expanding coverage in terms of population, services, and financing, including an updated package of basic health services; enhancing preventive services such as screenings, and improving procurement mechanisms for essential medicines; strengthening digital health services and contracting frameworks with referral hospitals, including the establishment of a digital health governance structure; supporting project management and emergency response capabilities.
“This $20 million project will run over five years through close collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Finance, and Planning and International Cooperation,” the Minister added.
World Bank Acting Country Director for Palestine Ardern Finn emphasized the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people. “This project reflects our strong support and ongoing commitment to the Palestinian Authority’s vision of reforming and developing the health sector, despite the difficult conditions.”
“This project goes beyond reform and development — it is about preserving dignity, safeguarding essential services, and laying the foundation for a better future in Palestine. It is built on principles of efficiency, sustainability, and quality,” he continued.
Finn noted that the World Bank has invested over $40 million in the Palestinian health sector over the past five years to strengthen primary care and hospital services. He also welcomed the Government’s initiative to localize healthcare and expand public hospital capacity while fostering sustainable partnerships with the private sector.
T.R.
