This morning the Order of Malta’s Grand Hospitaller, Joseph D. Blotz, met Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. In an official meeting, the two discussed about the importance of strenghten the partnership between the Order and the Patriarchate to further develop the support to the population of Gaza, with a focus on healthcare.
Yesterday the Grand Hospitaller visited the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem which has been offering high-quality maternal and childcare in southern Palestine since 1990. During his visit, the Grand Hospitaller received the commemorative medal for the birth of the 100,000th child in the hospital, baby Muhamad, who was born on 6 January 2023.
The Holy Family Hospital is the only facility in the region for premature births, thanks to a neonatal intensive care unit with 18 beds. This makes it a point of reference for all pregnant women in the area, especially those who need specialized care. With Muslim and Christian doctors, midwives and nurses, the hospital offers low cost or completely free services without distinction of religion or social condition.
During the ceremony, the commemorative medal of the 100,000th child was presented to the Grand Hospitaller, a symbolic award already given to Pope Francis at a previous audience. The event highlighted the Order of Malta’s ongoing commitment to providing excellent healthcare and supporting the most vulnerable communities in the region.
«The Holy Family Hospital is a model of care and solidarity, a place where life is welcomed and protected every day, regardless of circumstances,» said Joseph D. Blotz, reiterating the importance of the Order of Malta’s humanitarian and health mission.
In 2024, the hospital recorded 3,902 births, the lowest figure in recent years, linked to the extremely complex economic and social situation. Moreover, moving from Hebron, south of Bethlehem, is difficult if not impossible, with the result that there have been almost no births registered in this region.
Despite the low number of new births, the increase in deliveries with complications and – as a result – in infants admitted to intensive care has increased the hospital’s workload. There was a 4% increase in caesarean sections over last year, and the incidence of preterm births rose by 22%. 113% of infants were kept in intensive care for over 50 days and 56% of babies were born prematurely.
