Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital
The Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital
A secure environment for medical care is a minimum expectation, yet in Israel, both civilians and soldiers face risks during extreme conflicts and mass health crises. In response, Rambam established the Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital (FUEH), a new paradigm for ensuring the safety of patients and hospital personnel with the world’s largest underground, fortified hospital.
Opened in 2014, the FUEH set a new international standard. Built on lessons from the Second Lebanon War, this facility can transform from a three-level, 1,500-vehicle underground parking lot into a 2,000-bed hospital within 72 hours.
When the Swords of Iron War broke out and in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Israel Defense Forces the -3 level was prepared to receive thousands of injured soldiers and civilians. As the war continues and in light of the escalation in the North, the FUEH remains ready for every scenario that may unfold.
This bunkered facility serves the region during extreme emergencies: chemical or biological threats, natural disasters, medical crises, and national security events like the current war. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FUEH became Israel's largest COVID-19 treatment center.
In a region prone to sudden and unpredictable hostilities, Rambam must always be prepared to provide the highest level of medical care, especially during extreme emergencies. However, we cannot do this without your support. As Swords of Iron continues, Israel is facing multiple threats and the possibility of a massive enemy missile offensive looms, we must maintain readiness to treat soldiers and civilians and equip and upgrade this critical facility.
The underground hospital urgently needs sophisticated equipment that cannot be moved from the aboveground facility, along with essential supplies to retain full functionality.
To find out how you can help in developing and maintaining this life-saving project, please send an email to: e_golan@rmc.gov.il
Your gift will help ensure that one of the most advanced and critical medical initiatives continues. It will serve as a lasting reminder of your solidarity with Israel and its people in their time of greatest need.