A Palestinian Ministry of Health Urgent Appeal

Ever since its creation, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, has been striving to bring relief and cure to a poverty ridden, sickness stricken population after thirty years of occupation. MOH has , with the help and support of all peace loving peoples, governments, institutions, and individuals, has so far achieved a lot in this regard. yet much remains to be done. Today, and on the fourth day of the imposed Israeli closure on Palestine, and the blockade of all Palestinian towns and cities which has resulted in the isolation of our hospitals, emergency health centers, and clinics, we appeal to all friends, institutions, human right activities, UN Agencies, governments, and decision makers to intervene to put an end to this closure, which has rendered us unable to provide our health services to which our patients, like all human beings in this world , are entitled under all circumstances and throughout any prevailing conditions, as per Human Rights Charter.

For the last four days, doctors , nurses, pharmacists, and all other health workers are denied access to their work location. For the last four days, patients heading for medication and treatment to West Bank hospital are prevented to reach their destinations. Also Kidney failure and cancer patients coming from Gaza Districts to West Bank, Jerusalem, and Israeli hospital for treatment and health services, are denied access to any of these hospitals and ordered to be confined in Gaza. Such a situation shall certainly endanger the lives of many patients, majority of which are children and old people.

For the last four days , our basic , vital supplies of food, medical gases, and medicines are not allowed access to all West Bank hospitals.

Four the last four days, the efficiency and performance of our hospitals has been adversely affected

This situation is being aggravated by the day, and the risk to patients lives is becoming more eminent. Our primary health care centers ceased to be able to provide patients with the regular services including the application of vaccination program. The deteriorating situation is threatening the lives of many children, and can lead to the spread of diseases and epidemics that can neither stop at Red Lights, Nor would it acknowledge closure of territories and blockade of towns and cities.

In the light of the above, governments, peoples, individuals, and institutions who stood with us during the process of building and developing of our health systems, are kindly requested to prevent the health catastrophes and deterioration, as well as the disastrous situation which are facing in all Gaza and West Bank hospitals and health centers. All are kindly request to respond promptly, instantly, courageously to put an end , and once for all, to all impediments to the provision of health services and medication to Palestinian patients inside Palestine.

We know that you are all fair, humanitarian and just enough to take every necessary measure , every possible measure, to lift this closure of the shoulders of our moaning old agers, yelling newborns, and seriously suffering patients. For despite the general dismay and regret that overwhelms the region, We still believe and hope that you will stand with us and defend the rights of the Palestinian patient in health care and heath services.

NOW, TODAY, and in the name of humanity and human right, we appeal to the International community to put an end to this closure and play a noble role in the life and history of humanity.

URGENTLY, KINDLY AND PROMPTLY, intervene to save the lives of many patients who are waiting for your support to wipe off their fears, reduce their pain, and dry their tears.

Signed: Dr. Munzer Al-Sharif, Deputy Minister of Health,

Ministry of Health, P. O. Box 14, Nablus, West Bank, Palestine,

Tel: +972-9-384771-6, Fax: +972-9-384777 & +972-9-370439

04/08/1997