More than 1000 Pakistani healthcare professionals, including 400 female doctors, have registered their willingness to travel to Gaza and provide medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis. Dr. Zahid Latif, Chairman of the Al-Khidmat Health Foundation, shared this heartwarming news with a local news outlet.
These dedicated medical experts represent various specialties, including orthopedic, vascular, and general surgeons, anesthetists, pediatric surgeons, emergency and critical care specialists, and gynecologists. Their selfless offer of aid comes in response to the dire situation in Gaza, where the healthcare system has crumbled due to the destruction of health facilities by Israeli airstrikes and the tragic loss of doctors and paramedics.
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 18,000 people have been injured, and the majority of them lack access to essential medical supplies. The Al-Khidmat Health Foundation has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) offices in Islamabad and Cairo, Egypt, about the Pakistani healthcare specialists’ willingness to serve in Gaza. They are eagerly awaiting the green light from WHO and partner organizations to enter the war zone.
However, at present, the WHO and affiliated groups have not granted permission to send healthcare professionals to any neighboring country of Israel to assist in Gaza. Despite the challenging circumstances, these compassionate medical specialists, including women in various healthcare fields, are determined to offer their skills and support to the people in Gaza who are suffering from relentless airstrikes and the collapse of the healthcare system.
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In addition to the healthcare professionals, the Al-Khidmat Foundation is also sending vital medical supplies, hygiene kits, and safe delivery kits to Gaza through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Food and essential items are being dispatched to Turkish-based partner organizations operating within Gaza.
Dr. Zahid Latif emphasized the urgent need for safe deliveries in Gaza, especially considering the destruction of most health facilities. The healthcare professionals, primarily from the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) and other medical associations, have previously served in Gaza. However, the current situation remains extremely challenging due to the extensive destruction of healthcare infrastructure by Israeli forces in the besieged region.