ASIA/ISRAEL - New health center opened in Aboud

Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – A new Caritas health center in the Jerusalem area has been opened in Aboud. In the past 19 years, thanks to the high quality service offered by various health sectors and laboratory services, the town has seen an increase in the number of its patients. For the community of Aboud and the neighboring villages, having this center nearby has been a great advancement, as they no longer have to pass blockades to reach the clinic, which is fairly spacious, offers basic health services, holistic medicine, and orthodontal treatment. The new center is open 6 days/week and can attend an average of 40 patients per day. The urology, dermatology, and gynecology departments are available to all those in need and are not to be found in other clinics. Aboud is a small village of neraly 2500 inhabitants, located west of Ramallah. Half of the population is Christian, the other half being Muslim. The village is known for its underground springs which offer 20% of the West Bank's water supply. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 1/9/2009)