Medical clinic

Since 2000, the severe travel restrictions and building of the Separation Wall prevented many West Bank families from reaching the clinic in East Jerusalem. The Spafford Children’s Center responded by establishing a medical clinic in Bethany (Izzariyeh) in the West Bank, the medical clinic in the Old City was then closed down in 2012 as families in East Jerusalem are benefitting from the Israeli compulsory health care insurance.

The medical clinic provides pediatric care, infant welfare monitoring (including screenings for hearing, eyesight and development), and preventative vaccinations

Nearly all patients can be served within the Spafford Children’s Center, although more serious problems are referred to hospitals. Some children’s physical complaints are found to be symptomatic of psychological distress which can be treated by our staff through speech therapy, cultural activities, and remedial educational services.

The neediest families will also receive free medicines, food and baby milk, as well as clothes when they are available.

The clinic also provides health education through group teaching and individual advice and counseling.