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PAMA Launches $1.3 Million Initiative to Strengthen Critical Care Services in Palestine

Ramallah, Palestine – October 5, 2025

The Palestinian American Medical Association (PAMA), with the generous support of Islamic Relief USA, has launched the Strengthening Critical Care Services in Palestine Project.

The initiative officially began this week with the first cohort of the Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) training, in partnership with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), is being held in Ramallah from October 5–9, 2025. The training includes both a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) component and direct training for physicians and nurses from hospitals across Palestine. By the end of the program, a total of 600 physicians and nurses will be trained, laying the foundation for a sustainable and standardized national ICU training system.

In this regard, PAMA also acknowledges the valuable contribution of Medical Supplies & Services Co. (MSS Co.) and ARCOMED Medical Co., which provided essential equipment to support the training program.
Beyond training, the project integrates broader system strengthening measures, including:

  • Provision of essential ICU equipment.
  • Capacity building and specialized training based on national needs assessments.
  • Three fellowships in intensive care medicine for Palestinian physicians to develop long-term national expertise.
  • Deployment of six medical missions specializing in critical care to the West Bank.
  • Updating and standardizing national ICU policies, guidelines, and protocols to ensure consistency across hospitals.

“This initiative reflects PAMA’s founding vision: harnessing global expertise to empower local professionals,” said Dr. Majdi Hamarshi, Chairman of PAMA’s Board of Directors. “As a board-certified intensivist, I know the vital importance of equipping teams with the right skills and protocols. Through the FCCS program, we are building national capacity so Palestinian hospitals can deliver world-class intensive care independently and sustainably—ensuring patients receive high-quality treatment without leaving their communities.

“This project is about building a resilient system of intensive care in Palestine,” said Prof. Rania Abu Seir, PAMA Executive Director and Country Director. COVID-19 revealed the enormous gaps in intensive care in Palestine. I have seen firsthand how fragile our ICU systems are. This project is a direct response to those lessons. Through training, equipment, fellowships, and standardized protocols, we are laying the foundation for long-term sustainability and improved survival for critically ill patients.

“Our support for the Strengthening Critical Care Services project in Palestine is a profound investment in the future of the Palestinian health system,” said Ahmed Shehata, CEO of Islamic Relief USA. “We are honored to help PAMA build a sustainable, dignified future for the Palestinian people by partnering with local medical professionals to establish a resilient, world-class critical care system that will save lives for generations to come.”

The Strengthening Critical Care Services in Palestine Project represents a milestone in advancing the Palestinian health system and ensuring equitable access to high-quality intensive care—even during times of crisis.