On Sunday 16th March, the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) proudly opened its newest day care hospital in the city of Nablus, the commercial and cultural hub of the northern West Bank. Open five days a week from 7am to 3pm, the hospital brings much-needed surgical and specialist services to over 1.2 million people across the six northern governorates of Nablus, Salfit, Qalqiliya, Tulkarm, Jenin and Tubas.

This fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility marks a major milestone in SJEHG’s mission to deliver high quality, charitable and accessible eye care to all, regardless of background, religion or ability to pay.

SJEHG’s CEO Dr Ahmad Ma’ali KStJ says, “Establishing a surgical day hospital in Nablus is a landmark achievement for our organisation. For many, this is the first time charitable world-class eye care is available close to home. This facility is not just a new hospital — it is a bold step towards closing the gap in health inequality in the region and delivering on our philosophy of ‘taking quality eye care to those who cannot reach us.’”

Since opening, the Nablus hospital has treated 2,089 patients — including 459 children. Plans are now underway to expand the range of services, moving from general clinics to cataract surgery and ultimately offering a full spectrum of ophthalmic surgeries.

Designed and equipped in line with Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, the hospital offers a range of general and subspeciality services including Vitreoretinal, Glaucoma, Cornea, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic clinics. The project has been in planning for almost two years and reflects SJEHG’s long term commitment to expanding sustainable, local eye care provision across the region.

Bringing the hospital to life wasn’t without its logistical challenges, but thanks to the tireless efforts of SJEHG’s Facilities Manager Ahmad Awadallah and his team, it became a reality.

The opening was marked by a special ceremony on Saturday 10th May, attended by SJEHG’s Chair, Sir Andrew Cash KStJ; Order Hospitaller, Mr David Verity KStJ; Executive Head of the UK Office, Harriet Wheeler; and other key supporters, partners, and local dignitaries. Guests included Ms Bethany Randle, the Australian Representative to the Palestinian Authority; Nigel Heath, US Prior; Rev’d Niall Johnston of the Knights Templar; the Governor of Nablus district and Mayor of the city; as well as representatives from local healthcare providers and NGOs.

Guests toured the new facilities and met the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and administrators who will be delivering care on site. The Nablus Hospital is led by our experienced Anabta team, under the direction of Dr Islam Al Hashash, Medical Lead, and Hani Abualhaija, Nurse Manager. The team comprises 16 healthcare professionals, including five nurses, three doctors, three optometrists, as well as an accountant, two clerks, a driver, and a cleaner.

Speaking at the event, Sir Andrew Cash said a few words before officially cutting the ribbon to mark the opening.

This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the invaluable support of our partners. Special thanks go to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, The Fred Hollows Foundation, The David & Molly Pyott Foundation, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the St John Priory in the USA, and the Knights Templar Benevolent Fund, whose belief in our mission helped bring this project to life.