Health Ministry in Gaza faces a real disaster

Ministry of Interior Report
19/9/2013

Health Ministry in Gaza faces a real disaster amid tightened Siege

Palestinian Minister of Health Dr Mofeed Mokhalalati urges the international community to exert pressure on the Israeli Occupation so that it lifts the illegal siege imposed on Gaza Strip, and permits the access of medicines, medical supplies, and basic construction materials .

He said in a press conference held yesterday, "Health sector bases in Gaza face a real disaster, everyone in the world has to shoulder their responsibility in the face of medical needs for Palestinian patients amid the closure of the Rafah Border Crossing."

Mokhalalati pointed out that 145 types of medicine have run out and the lack of medicines imported by Rafah Border Crossing decreased the balance to 30% of that required.

1000 patients cannot receive treatment in specialized Egyptian hospitals, in addition to 300 referred officially by the health ministry, the minister added.

He said the ongoing closure of Rafah Terminal also deprives hundreds of patients from surgical services offered by specialized delegations coming from various countries around the world, as they cannot enter Gaza to perform their surgeries.

Mokhalalati warns that the quantity of fuel necessary for generators and ambulances is not enough, explaining that health centers need 360 liters per a month, thus currently their electricity supply is disconnected for12 hours daily.

He appealed to Gaza's brothers and sisters in Egypt to open the Rafah Border Crossing in both directions to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian people, in particular humanitarian cases .

Mokhalalati asked international organizations to support the steadfastness of Palestinian people and ensure continuous medical services.

He urged human rights organizations including the International Committee of Red Cross, the United Nations Organisation for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the World Health Organization to support right to health of Palestsinian patients, and their freedom of movement across Gaza crossings, demanding they also support Gaza's hospitals and health centers with medicines, medical consumables, and fuel necessary to run generators in 13 hospitals and 56 primary care centers, in addition to ambulances.

ENDS

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