Rambam’s Second Line of Defense
After missiles from Lebanon landed on Haifa in 2006, Rambam’s leadership took a bold decision. Never again would the safety of patients and staff be placed at risk from enemy fire. In 2014, Rambam inaugurated the Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital – a 2000 bed, fully equipped medical facility and the largest of its kind in the world.
In 2006, the Second Lebanon War changed the rules of engagement—for the first time there were more civilian casualties than military. Also, for the first time, doctors at Rambam were forced to treat patients while under fire.
As missiles from Lebanon landed dangerously close to the hospital, Rambam’s leadership took a bold decision. Never again would the safety of patients and staff be placed at risk from enemy attack.
Safe Medicine is a National Urgency in Israel
In 2014, Rambam inaugurated the Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Hospital – a 2000 bed, fully equipped medical facility and the largest of its kind in the world.
Serving in peacetime as an underground parking lot, within 72 hours the facility converts to provide essential medical services during both conventional and non-conventional attacks. Its three floors are equipped and ready to house operating rooms, delivery rooms, an intensive care unit, a dialysis center, and a large decontamination center for treating patients exposed to non-conventional weaponry. Yet the hospital is still not equipped for its full capacity.
Rambam is still in urgent need of hospital beds, equipment, and supplies, as well as fortified data and command centers that will ensure the underground hospital’s full functioning during emergency situations.
In a region where hostilities can erupt at any moment, you can help Rambam remain prepared to carry out its life-saving mission under any circumstances. To learn how, please contact the American Friends of Rambam at (212) 292-4499.
“Our response to the barrage of missiles on Haifa in the summer of 2006 was an ambitious and far-reaching plan… In the face of violence and destruction, we have chosen life!”
– Prof. Rafi Beyar, MD, DSC, MPH
Director & CEO, Rambam Health Care Campus
“In the face of possible war, Rambam Health Care Campus will save many lives.”
– Shimon Peresz”l
Former Prime Minister and Head of the State of Israel
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