Osama's Journey to Rehabilitation
Qatar Red Crescent, in partnership with Al Fakhoora, established a new rehabilitation center at Al Amal Hospital in June 2013 to provide higher quality medical services for the citizens of Gaza. The new medical center provides rehabilitation services and physical therapy for patients who suffer from paralysis resulting from injuries or accidents.
Osama Thabet, a seven year old student from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip was shot in the head in January 2014 and is paralyzed in his right hand and leg. Osama’s family decided to send him to Al Amal Hospital’s Medical Rehabilitation Center when they found out about the center’s recent achievements.
In between singing traditional Palestinian songs and those of Mohammad Assaf, Osama stated, “I am happy and strong here.”
Osama’s father added, “It was difficult in the beginning, Osama had difficulties in pronunciation and speaking as well as walking; we came to Al Amal Hospital two months ago and we have had an excellent experience with the high quality service provided directly improving the condition of my son and the quality of his life.”
After looking at his son he continued, “We are currently looking forward to seeing Osama walking normally just like before; he is able to eat normally now and slowly try to play football; we are very optimistic to about further improvements.”
“I want to go back to my normal life, play with my sister and my friends, and I also want to buy some coloring books and colors to draw a big picture about my daily life in the hospital and give it to the doctors who have helped me.” Osama concluded.