Palestinian Territories: a Model Hospital for Healthcare and Sustainability

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has drastically increased the demands on the Palestinian healthcare system. As of early November, 94% of health facilities in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed, with only 17 of the 36 hospitals providing partially operational inpatient care, according to the World Health Organization. Even before the war, the healthcare system faced immense pressure due to the growing needs of a young population grappling with deteriorating socio-economic conditions and the high fragmentation of the territories hampering an effective health response.

A Cornerstone of Palestinian Healthcare

Saint Joseph’s Hospital, founded in 1954 by the French Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Apparition as a private, non-profit general hospital under French protection, is a cornerstone of the Palestinian healthcare system. Located in East Jerusalem, it is part of the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network. Before the war broke out in 2023, they treated 40% of patients from the West Bank and Gaza who could not access adequate care locally.

The hospital’s central role is more critical than ever, providing life-saving services and specialized care to populations across the region.

Expanding Healthcare Access

To address the growing demand for healthcare, Saint Joseph’s Hospital is undergoing a major renovation and expansion project supported by a €12 million grant from AFD, complemented by €1 million from the European Union through the PEEB Med program. This project will increase the hospital’s capacity from 155 to 225 beds, modernize the intensive care unit, and expand outpatient clinics.

These improvements aim to provide better access to healthcare for 120,000 people annually, while strengthening medical training and addressing long-term challenges like inclusive patient care and governance.

Pioneering Sustainability in Healthcare

“For the first time, we will be using an investment grant to implement ambitious energy efficiency measures in our hospital and significantly reduce its energy consumption,” explains Jamil Koussa, General Director of Saint Joseph's Hospital.

The renovation includes reinforcing thermal insulation, optimizing heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and increasing renewable energy production capacity. The building sector accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with hospitals consuming two to five times more energy per square meter than conventional buildings. Integrating energy efficiency into hospital infrastructure is therefore critical to combining healthcare with climate action.

The hospital’s energy consumption is expected to decrease by 57%, resulting in an estimated annual saving of 1,619 megawatt-hours—equivalent to the energy use of 405 Palestinian households. These measures will also reduce operational costs, enhancing the hospital’s financial sustainability.

Further reading: Fighting Fake News in the Middle East: the Surprising Benefits of Fact Checking

Social and Economic Impacts

Beyond energy savings, the project will bring significant social benefits. It is expected to create 20 local jobs during the construction, operation, and maintenance phases, and provide training for 60 workers. This initiative will also strengthen the skills of Palestinian healthcare professionals, improving patient care and ensuring long-term health outcomes for the population.

The Future for Palestinian Healthcare and Sustainability

This will be AFD's first project in partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development, which will co-finance this ambitious project to the tune of $6.95 million, for the renovation of operating theaters and the addition of an MRI unit. Support from the European Union will ensure a return on investment for the measures deployed in just four years.

“Thanks to this project, our partner, Saint Joseph’s Hospital, will benefit from upgraded infrastructure and improved energy efficiency, directly impacting the lives of more than a million beneficiaries. This initiative not only addresses the growing demand for specialized care but also strengthens the skills of Palestinian healthcare professionals, ensuring long-term improvements in health outcomes,” says Alice Moret, health expert at AFD.

Support from France and the European Union is not only transforming healthcare for the Palestinian population but also setting a benchmark for integrating sustainability into medical infrastructure.

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of AFD and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.