Who We Are Heritage The Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees (UPMRC) is a grassroots, community-based Palestinian health organization. UPMRC was founded in 1979 by a group of Palestinian doctors and health professionals seeking to supplement the decayed and inadequate health infrastructure caused by years of Israeli military occupation. It is non-profit, voluntary, and one of the largest health NGOs in Palestine. UPMRC's national health programs emphasize prevention, education, community participation, and the empowerment of people. Mission UPMRC seeks to improve the overall physical, mental, and social well being of all Palestinians, regardless of racial, political, social, economic or religious status. Our comprehensive health programs focus on the needs of the most vulnerable members of Palestinian society: women, children, and the poor in rural villages, refugee camps, and urban centers. We pursue our mission of Quality Health for All in over 400 communities throughout Palestine. Our permanent health care facilities include 25 community health centers in towns and villages throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and 15 specialized centers including physiotherapy centers, an optometry center, youth and community centers and medical equipment loan centers. At these locations and in mobile clinics throughout the country we conduct comprehensive Primary Health Care programs including women's health, child health, community-based rehabilitation, school health, and specialty services. Our dedicated and professional staff includes physicians, community health workers, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals, many of whom volunteer their services. Our staff and many of their colleagues at other NGOs and in the Ministry of Health receive first-rate training in the practice of community-based Primary Health Care at our School of Community Health. Vision UPMRC follows the principles and practices of Primary Health Care in our provision of preventive, curative and promotive health services. Therefore, participation and involvement of local communities, as well as values of voluntarism are core values and cornerstones of each of our programs. Our staff of physicians and community health workers focuses on health education, screening, awareness raising, and training as central components of quality health service provision. It is our belief that health is the entry point for community development and involves itself in all aspects of community development, especially by working with young people and by supporting community institutions. Ultimately, we seek to mobilize communities to take responsibility for their own development and empower individuals to take control over their own overall health. This holistic approach to health and development has allowed UPMRC to improve the lives of Palestinians for over twenty years. To view a list of our Board Members click here