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| Lending Centers |

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Established in March 1999, the Medical Relief Aid Equipment Loan Center supplements UPMRC's services by providing short and long- term rentals of medical equipment and assistive devices, equipment repair, and training on how to use the equipment. The main goals of the Loan Center are to meet the needs of those Palestinians who require medical equipment and assistive devices and enhance their quality of life by helping them to become independent, well-adjusted individuals. These services aim to lessen the sense of isolation experienced by disabled persons and allow them to participate in various community activities.
Beneficiaries include the disabled, the elderly, the chronically ill, and others who need special care and equipment, including mothers and newborns. As many disabled are unable to afford the high cost of buying equipment, the center offers them the chance to loan the necessary equipment for a symbolic fee. There are three major lending centers; one is in the Ramallah area, which serves the southern sectors of the West Bank; on in Nablus, serving the north; and the other is in Gaza City, serving the city and surrounding areas. In the year 2000, UPMRC rented equipment to 760 clients, and conducted 323 consultations with social workers, audiologists and hearing pathologists.
The Lending Centers during the Intifada:
The Intifada greatly increased the need for the lending center. To respond to this growing need, UPMRC expanded its work by opening two new centers in Gaza and Nablus. During the emergency, equipment was given free of charge to those injured in clashes. Staff also tried to deal with the higher demand of certain equipment due to specific injuries sustained. Teams also visited the injured in hospitals and advised them on the equipment they would need for rehabilitation.
To date, UPMRC has provided necessary assistive equipment to hospitals as well as to more than 420 injured people in different areas. The equipment mainly consists of devices to assist with movement, such as crutches and wheelchairs. UPMRC hopes to receive support in order to improve the existing centers and establish two new centers in the Hebron and Jenin areas.
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