The Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) from Indonesia has dispatched a team of four volunteers to provide vital assistance at Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia, Northern Gaza. Led by Dr. Hadiki Habib, a seasoned professional in the medical field and current head of Indonesia’s MER-C, the team consists of an internist, an emergency medicine specialist, a neurosurgeon, and a nurse. Their mission is to support the overwhelmed emergency services at Al Awda Hospital, which has been grappling with limited medical resources and personnel amidst a high influx of patients.
Dr. Ni Nyoman Indira, a dedicated volunteer with MER-C stationed in Northern Gaza, highlighted the critical situation at Al Awda Hospital. With over 400 patients seeking medical attention daily and a shortage of healthcare workers, the hospital staff are under immense pressure. This challenging environment not only strains the medical personnel but also forces many of them to seek shelter for their families, adding another layer of complexity to their already demanding work.
Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, MER-C mobilized its seventh Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to collaborate with Al Awda Hospital. The EMT members are set to work closely with the hospital’s medical staff, providing support in emergency services and outpatient neurosurgery twice a week. The coordination between MER-C and the hospital’s director began on February 2, 2025, laying the groundwork for a fruitful partnership in delivering essential medical care to those in need.
MER-C, a reputable non-profit organization established by compassionate University of Indonesia (UI) students in 1999, has been at the forefront of providing medical aid to disaster and conflict victims. The organization’s volunteers have been actively engaged in humanitarian missions both domestically and internationally, including offering assistance to individuals affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, MER-C volunteers have been on the ground, extending support to those impacted by the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by the destruction of vital healthcare facilities, MER-C issued an open letter to the World Health Organization in December 2023. The letter urged the WHO to prioritize the restoration of hospitals that had been destroyed and repurposed by the Israeli military, emphasizing the urgent need to reinstate these facilities for the benefit of Palestinians requiring medical care.
As the volunteers from Indonesia embark on their mission to Gaza, their commitment to providing essential medical assistance in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope for the local community. Through their unwavering dedication and expertise, they aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
Challenges Faced by Al Awda Hospital
The Al Awda Hospital in Jabalia, Northern Gaza, has been grappling with significant challenges due to a shortage of medical facilities and personnel. With a daily influx of over 400 patients and limited healthcare workers, the hospital staff are confronted with high workloads and the added responsibility of ensuring the safety of their families amidst the ongoing crisis. This complex situation underscores the critical need for external support, such as the assistance provided by Indonesia’s MER-C through its dedicated volunteers.
MER-C’s Ongoing Humanitarian Efforts
Established in 1999 by compassionate students from the University of Indonesia, MER-C has been actively involved in providing medical assistance to disaster and conflict victims. The organization’s commitment to humanitarian missions, both within Indonesia and abroad, highlights its unwavering dedication to alleviating the suffering of those in need. Through its continued efforts in Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, MER-C exemplifies the power of grassroots initiatives in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
The volunteers from Indonesia exemplify the true essence of humanitarianism, embodying compassion, expertise, and resilience in the face of adversity. As they join forces with the medical staff at Al Awda Hospital, their collaborative efforts serve as a beacon of hope for the local community, offering a glimpse of solidarity and support in the midst of crisis. In a world marked by uncertainty and turmoil, the selfless actions of individuals like these volunteers remind us of the enduring power of humanity and the transformative impact of collective compassion and solidarity.
