Serving the most vulnerable Palestinians since 1979
PMRS was founded in 1979 by a group of Palestinian doctors and health professionals seeking to supplement the decayed and inadequate health infrastructure caused by years of Israeli military occupation. In the years prior to the Intifada for Independence, PMRS made a significant contribution to the creation of a Palestinian national health infrastructure, replacing the fragmented health system inherited from years of Israeli occupation.
Originally known as the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees (UPMRC), the organization evolved into what is now known as the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS). Over the decades, PMRS has grown to become one of the largest and most respected health NGOs in Palestine, serving over 1.5 million Palestinians across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Throughout its history, PMRS has remained committed to its founding principles of providing quality healthcare to all Palestinians, regardless of their social, economic, or political background. The organization has adapted to changing circumstances and needs, expanding its services and reach while maintaining its core mission of health as a human right.
PMRS is a leading Palestinian rights-based health PNGO that aims to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of all Palestinians without discrimination by providing quality primary health care services, mobilizing the community at all levels and advocating for accessible quality health care for all.
PMRS's vision for the future of Palestine is that of a democratic and pluralistic society in which all Palestinians irrespective of gender and/or background have unrestricted equitable access to quality health care and enjoy social justice and the full benefit of their human, civic, economic and social rights.
PMRS believes this future can be achieved via applying a rights-based approach to healthcare, and a collective impact model, building a strong civil society and transparent and accountable implementation of concerted quality health and development policies.
PMRS takes a comprehensive approach to healthcare, recognizing that health is influenced by a wide range of social, economic, and political factors. Our work is guided by the following principles:
We view health as a fundamental human right and work to ensure that all Palestinians can access the healthcare they need, regardless of their circumstances.
We engage communities in all aspects of our work, empowering them to take an active role in improving their own health and wellbeing.
We advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and address the root causes of health disparities in Palestine.
We continuously seek innovative solutions to healthcare challenges, adapting our approaches to meet evolving needs and circumstances.
We work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
We design our programs with sustainability in mind, building local capacity and systems that can continue to function over the long term.
PMRS makes a significant difference in the lives of Palestinians through our comprehensive healthcare services and advocacy efforts. Some key impacts of our work include:
In Gaza alone, our teams have reached approximately 363,000 beneficiaries with essential healthcare services, despite the challenging circumstances and severe shortages of medical supplies.
PMRS is led by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, public health experts, and community leaders who are committed to our mission of improving the health and wellbeing of all Palestinians.
Founder and President
Executive Director
Medical Director
Our team also includes hundreds of dedicated healthcare providers, community health workers, administrators, and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that all Palestinians have access to quality healthcare.
PMRS collaborates with a wide range of partners to maximize our impact and reach. Our partners include:
We work with other Palestinian NGOs, community-based organizations, and grassroots initiatives to coordinate efforts and share resources.
We partner with international organizations that share our commitment to health as a human right and to improving healthcare access in Palestine.
We collaborate with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and other government agencies to strengthen the national health system.
We work with universities and research institutions on training, research, and educational initiatives related to healthcare in Palestine.
We receive support from a range of donors who share our vision and values, including foundations, governments, and individual supporters.
We are active members of various health networks and coalitions, including the People's Health Movement, PNGO, and others.
Help us provide quality healthcare to all Palestinians. Your support makes our work possible.
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