The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza warned on Tuesday of the serious repercussions of the shortage of primary care medicines on the lives of patients in the Strip, calling for pressure on Israel to allow the entry of medicines and vaccines for children.
Ahed Samour, Director General of Primary Care at the Ministry, said in a statement: “Many types of medicines for primary care patients have completely run out, while many other types are approaching depletion, which could have serious repercussions for these patients.”
He continued: “The complete closure imposed by the occupation on Gaza is depriving patients in the Strip of medicines and medical supplies, especially those related to primary care medicines, which provide services to all segments of society, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.”
The Palestinian health official also warned of the spread of epidemics and diseases among these vulnerable groups due to Israel’s continued closure of the crossings and the shortage of medicines.
He explained that forcing Palestinians into forced displacement has led to “a further decline in the provision of primary care services and has placed significant pressure on the few remaining centers, given the overcrowding of displaced people in the surrounding areas.”
He called for urgent international action to “pressure Israel to end the closure and blockade” that has been in place since March 2, preventing the entry of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid into the Gaza Strip.
