Palestinian Embassy Urges Immediate Medical Aid as Healthcare System Collapses
The Embassy of Palestine in India has made an urgent call for international and Indian support to provide medical assistance, stating that the healthcare system in the region is on the brink of total breakdown.
In an official statement released on Friday, the embassy expressed deep concern over the dire situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They attribute the crisis to ongoing military actions, destruction of medical facilities, and severe restrictions on aid. “This is the moment to save lives. If not India and its people; then who? If not now; then when?” the statement emphasized, highlighting the need for help.
The embassy called on India to assist under its ‘Aarogya Maitri’ initiative, which aims at providing medical supplies to countries facing disasters or humanitarian crises. Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged support under this project, acknowledging the importance of international humanitarian efforts.
The situation has been described as a “humanitarian catastrophe” by the embassy, with data from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealing that only 19 out of 36 hospitals in the region are partially operational. The healthcare facilities are struggling due to a severe lack of essential medicines, equipment, and fuel for generators.
“After almost three years of conflict, the healthcare system in Gaza has suffered immensely. The WHO warns that it is nearing a breaking point,” the embassy stated.
Due to the deteriorating conditions, there is an urgent need for the medical evacuation of thousands of patients. Reports indicate critical shortages of essential medical supplies, including anesthesia, antibiotics, and surgical equipment. The ongoing conflict has led to numerous casualties, overwhelming remaining healthcare centers.
The embassy highlighted the urgent health threats, including outbreaks of skin diseases and infections, compounded by unsanitary living conditions. Thousands of bodies are feared trapped under rubble, and the sanitation system is on the verge of collapse.
In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, financial restrictions have also hampered healthcare services. The shortage of funds has affected the Ministry of Health’s ability to provide essential services, putting additional strain on public hospitals.
In response to the growing crisis, the Palestinian government has issued health insurance policies to families who lost their income due to the conflict, further burdening an already struggling healthcare system.
The embassy pointed out a drastic reduction in surgeries performed, with over 11,000 procedures postponed this year alone due to medicine shortages. It stressed that around 180 essential medicines are currently unavailable, putting many patients, especially those requiring cancer treatment, at risk.
In light of the critical situation, the Palestinian Embassy is calling for immediate international assistance, specifically targeting a $100 million contribution for essential medical supplies. The embassy urges the international community, particularly the Government of India, humanitarian organizations, and civil society to take action to support the Palestinian healthcare sector and safeguard the lives of civilians.
