UAE (MNN) — Infant mortality
rates that stood at 50-percent in the United Arab Emirates are now less than
one-percent, and maternal mortality is almost unheard of. That's the legacy of CURE
International.
David Printy runs their Oasis
Hospital which is located in the city of Al Ain, about 160 kilometers east of
the capital city Abu Dhabi. Since 1960, the Oasis
Hospital has served the
citizens of the U.A.E., specializing in maternal health. The
facility was donated to CURE International in 2006 and continues to deliver the
same high quality care for which the hospital has always been known.
Printy
says, "There's a strong tradition and a high level of trust," which builds into credibility and opens doors for more. "We are predominantly a hospital for
women and children. We deliver over 300 babies a month. We have a very active
pediatric clinic, and we are a teaching hospital of the UAE medical school. It's
kind of a model for what we're doing in Kabul, Afghanistan right
now."
Credited
as the birthplace of quality healthcare for the nation, Oasis needs more room. "The
new facility will include patient care that supports the preservation of
traditional practices of UAE family life and culture. Oasis Hospital has
appointed an advisory board of leading men and women of the local community who
will advise and guide the design," says Printy.
He
added, "We are now embarking on construction of a complete new 200 bed,
state-of-the-art hospital for the 21st century."
The
mission of this hospital won't change. It is a clear demonstration of how successful
"building bridges" can be between the Western and Arab worlds.
Printy says their patients know
they're Christians. They also make sure
the Gospel is available. "One of the things for which we have permission
is that in each patient's room, there is an Arabic translation of Luke. And they
also have an Arabic translation of the JESUS film. The government has allowed
us to have those in the rooms, and if the patients choose to take them with them,
they're free to do that."
Last year, the hospital
distributed more than 500 Scripture portions and 600 copies of the JESUS film.
Pray that these seeds planted will take root.
