Amid Ongoing Aggression, Displaced Persons Face Harsh Winter Conditions
As the deliberate Israeli aggression continues, over two million displaced individuals are enduring severe hardships in shelters and tents, struggling to protect themselves from fierce winds, freezing temperatures, and relentless rain. This ordeal is further exacerbated by a critical shortage of medical services and essential medicines needed to combat the spread of diseases that thrive under these harsh conditions. Additionally, there is an alarming lack of blankets and warm clothing.
Recent reports have confirmed the tragic deaths of three infants due to the bitter cold sweeping through the displacement camps in the Mawaasi Khan Younis area, south of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the United Nations has issued a warning that displaced families living in temporary and volatile shelters may not survive the harsh winter season.
In response, PalMed continues its efforts to support the healthcare sector in these areas by establishing medical points that provide essential health services and treatment to refugees, especially children. These initiatives aim to curb the spread of diseases such as influenza, colds, and respiratory infections, and to prevent these illnesses from affecting infants and the elderly, who are most at risk of their fatal outcomes.
PalMed extends its sincere gratitude to its doners and to all who have contributed to the establishment of this medical point.
As part of ongoing efforts to support the healthcare sector, the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe (PalMed) delivered a shipment of essential medications and medical supplies to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on December 22, 2024. This initiative aims to address the severe shortages of these resources caused by the ongoing Israeli War in the Gaza Strip
These critical shipments provide immediate relief to the Ministry of Health and medical service providers, reflecting PalMed’s unwavering commitment to supporting the healthcare system in Gaza.
Snapshot of PalMed UK and PalMed Academy Event 9 December 2024
PalMed UK and PalMed Academy hosted an inspiring event at Nottingham Medical School titled “Stories of a Surgeon in Palestine“. The event featured Dr. Mohammad Hawari, a PalMed member and surgeon who visited Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
Dr. Hawari shared a powerful testimony about the dire medical situation in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare workers and patients amidst the devastation. Over 100 students and staff attended the event, attentively listening to his firsthand account of the humanitarian crisis and the efforts made by PalMed UK to support innocent civilians affected by the atrocities.
Dr. Hawari detailed PalMed’s tireless 14-month mission to provide aid and medical assistance to the people of Gaza, calling attention to the urgent need for global solidarity. He also introduced the GEM initiative, which aims to support medical students and strengthen Gaza’s healthcare system through education and innovation.
Together, we can make a difference. Help us support the people of Gaza and Palestine.
On Saturday 7 December the Scottish Palestine Health Partnership held its second annual conference at Glasgow University.
Over 100 delegates attended .
Palmed Uk and PalMed Academy was there.
PalMed was represented by Drs Eman El-Bahnasawi and Dr Vivian Badr .
Dr Bashier Oudeh ( SPHP executive ) chaired the second session of the meeting, and introduced Professor Mahmoud Loubani, who presented an update on the GEM scheme , this received a lot of interest and Prof Loubani answered a few questions after his lecture.
PalMed Academy and GEM initiative launched and conducted her very first GEM mentorship course for both students and mentors.
This morning was opened by Tareq Abdel-Jawwad who is a currently displaced fifth year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza who gave us an introduction to the ongoing crisis and context under which the GEM scheme is operating with, as well as sharing his own experience as a Gazan medical student and his experience so far with GEM.
Then GEM team given a brief introduction to the GEM scheme by the CEO of GEM, Professor Mahmoud Loubani who touched on the structure of the scheme as well as the ongoing need of the GEM scheme.
The workshops on the theory and application of mentorship was delivered by Lucy Vere who has had over 20 years of experience training NHS staff and organisations during which attendees were given practical advice and basic communication tools on which can use to build and advance their mentor-mentee relationship.
In the afternoon, the lead mentorship co-officers Khansa Irfan and Dr. Elyanna Choi shared their backgrounds and motivations for participating in this scheme.
The panel saw our distinguished speakers Prof. Nidal Moukaddam, Mr. TIm Goodacre, and Dr. Riyadh Almasharqah discuss the challenges of mentorship in a hostile environment for both students and mentors, the psychological and emotional toll of mentorship in our current context, as well as stories of resilience, hope, and advice for mentors involved in the GEM mentorship scheme.
With the Participation of Leading Doctors and International Experts: PalMed Holds an Academic Conference to Support Medical Students in Gaza.
London, 23 November 2024
In light of the challenging circumstances in Gaza, PalMed Academy of PalMed Europe – the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe held an academic conference on Saturday, 23 November 2024, at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The conference was attended by international medical experts with experience in education and medical training especially in Gaza., the conference, titled “Resurrecting Medical Education in Gaza: Challenges and Solutions,” addressed the severe challenges facing Gaza’s medical education due to the blockade and destruction of healthcare and educational infrastructure.
The conference featured discussions and presentations emphasising innovation of the Gaza Educate Medics led by PalMed Academy and the role of international networks in supporting medical education in Palestine.
Dr. Hussam Adwan,Consultant Surgeon at Wirral University Hospital in the UK and conference chair, said:
“Your participation today fuels the flame of hope not only for students and faculty but for all residents of Gaza.”
Dr. Mohammed Zughbar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University, delivered an opening lecture comparing medical education in Gaza before the war with its current state. He highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on the educational system and its broader societal implications.
Dr. Riyad Masharqah, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe, praised the resilience of Gaza’s medical students and emphasised that this initiative aims to ensure their future, maintain the continuity of medical faculties, and address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
Professor Mahmoud Loubani, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Chair of Palmed Academy and CEO of the GEM scheme, stated: “This initiative, under the GEM program, is an investment in Gaza’s future. It ensures the continuity of medical education and the availability of qualified medical personnel to serve the community.”
Since its launch in June 2024, the initiative has enrolled over 2,101 students with the support of more than 1,000 international volunteers offering lectures and assistance through an integrated educational platform. A mentorship scheme for the students of Gaze was unveiled at the conference to commence on the 7th December 2024.
The conference highlighted the struggles faced by Gaza’s medical schools, including the destruction of infrastructure and severe shortages of educational and medical resources. Before the recent conflict, nearly 2,500 students were enrolled in medical faculties at Al-Azhar and Islamic universities.
Dr. Anwar Sheikh Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza, remarked:
“The destruction of medical education infrastructure threatens not only students’ futures but also the entire healthcare system in Gaza.”
A Global Message of Solidarity
Prominent international figures attended the conference, including Professor Mads Gilbert, the renowned Norwegian humanitarian, and Professor Nick Maynard from Oxford as well as a host of prominent educationalists and academics.
Students from Gaza joined remotely, with Lina Abuhein discussing the daily challenges they face and their essential needs for continuing their education. Tariq Abdel Jawad, from the the GEM Students’ Engagement Committee, shared how students contributed to hospitals during the war, underscoring the hope that international support provides for their education and service to their community.
Charity Dinner
The academic day concluded with a charity dinner, where attendees raised over $150,000 to support the initiative. The main guest speaker and guest of honour at the dinner was Dr. Husam Zomlot, Palestine’s ambassador to the UK who endorsed the initiative and emphasised education as a means of resilience for Palestinians through the decades of occupation.
Palmed Academy: A Vision for Sustainable Medical Education
Founded in 2022, Palmed Academy is the educational arm of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe, aiming to enhance healthcare in Palestine through education and training. The academy collaborates with international universities and institutions to provide advanced learning materials and training programs.
Through these efforts, PalMed Academy and its partners aim to preserve medical education in Gaza as a cornerstone of Palestinian resilience amidst ongoing challenges imposed by the blockade and conflict.
During a series of inspection visits today, we gained valuable insight into the ongoing work at several medical stations. Here is a summary of the current situation:
Mawsis Karrara health care center
Service delivery continues to improve. Over 200 patients seek daily general medical care here, and the women’s health unit serves 20–25 patients per day. Today, an activity focused on early breast cancer detection was also held. Due to the availability of medical assistance, the number of cases has increased, and the staff’s efforts continue to be invaluable.
Jarar Al-Qudwa health care centre
The staff work with dedication, handling approximately 70 patients each day, mostly for skin diseases and upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of medicines and medical supplies.
Al-Jazaa’iri Clinic
This station is expanding and reorganising its facilities to meet the growing demand for specialised medical services. Around 110 cases are treated daily, many of which are skin-related. However, as is the case at other stations, the shortage of medications is a significant challenge.
Al Rahma Clinic
The staff at Al-Rahma Station handle around 80 cases daily, involving examinations, treatments, and wound care. They, too, face a shortage of essential medical supplies.
Despite the challenges, including limited resources and medical supplies, the staff at these centres work tirelessly to maintain high-quality care and meet the needs of their patients. Their commitment and willingness to assist are truly commendable. This vital work continues in the effort to improve healthcare for the most vulnerable.
This week we delivered medicines and medical supplies that where purchased with donated funds.
Tuesday, 24.09.2024
With God’s grace and praise, the another shipment of medicines has arrived in southern Gaza, in cooperation between Palmed branches in Sweden, France, Denmark, and Norway, along with the Norwegian Aid Committe ( NORWAC) and the World Health Organization.
The project for the maintenance and reactivation of ambulances in Gaza, funded by the Palestinian Doctors Association in Europe, has begun in coordination with the Ministry of Health in Gaza and under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Abou Nada, Director of the association’s Gaza office.
Project Overview:
The project involves the repair and rehabilitation of 39 ambulances and 15 transport vehiclesthat require spare parts for maintenance and to be operational again.
1. Objective: To supply spare parts for the ambulances and transport vehicles of the Ministry of Health.
2. Scope of Work: The project includes both the provision of spare parts and the execution of necessary maintenance work.
3. Purpose: This project addresses the critical need for spare parts to restore the Ministry of Health’s ambulance and transport vehicle fleet.
4. Phases: The project will be carried out in **two phases**:
– Phase 1: Provision of spare parts.
– Phase 2: Maintenance of the ambulances and transport vehicles.
As part of its health education and psychological support activities, the medical center and mobile clinincs affiliated with Palmed in (Al-Qarara) organized a day of psychological support and entertainment for children at the “Hope Initiative” school, in collaboration with Emphent Center.
These educational and psychological support activities are conducted weekly and regularly by Palmed Euroep at the medical center to raise health awareness and improve the psychological well-being of displaced persons.
