Dr. Malena Cohen, head of pediatric pulmonology at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital, shared her experience treating patients amid Israel's war. Cohen, who studied at the University of Buenos Aires, described how patients avoid the hospital out of fear. In her account, she stressed helping others regardless of religion.
Malena Cohen, an Argentine doctor trained at the University of Buenos Aires, heads the pediatric pulmonology service at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital. In a recent account, Cohen detailed daily routines at the medical center during Israel's armed conflict. According to her testimony, patients exhibit significant fear of coming to the hospital, complicating healthcare delivery.
"Patients are afraid to come," Cohen stated, highlighting the war's impact on public health. Despite the tensions, she emphasized a humanitarian approach in her work: "Here we don't talk about religion, we have to help the other." This principle guides operations at the hospital, where staff treat people from diverse backgrounds without distinctions.
Hadassah hospital, a leader in pediatric care, continues to operate amid instability. Cohen, who moved from Argentina, represents professionals contributing to Israel's health system. Her account, published on March 11, 2026, provides an inside view of the medical facilities, focusing on everyday challenges without delving into the conflict's political details.
