EU Parliament: Exchange of views with PalMed Europe on Humanitarian Medical Help in Palestine

These two (UK- and French-Palestinian) binational doctors described the activities of ‘PalMed Europe’; this NGO aims at establishing partnerships between European academic and Palestinian medical institutions in order to help improve the latter.

They described the sorry state of health care services in the Palestinian territories due to the many impediments from Israel, but also from Egypt (no access to Gaza from Rafah).

Dr. Badran stated that MSF colleagues had enquired why was the PalMed delegation being denied access to Gaza. Their Israeli interlocutors had allegedly replied that they would not let in “people with Arab sounding names”.

The Chair concluded that the EU should apply more pressure on Israel and Egypt in order to allow medical doctors and humanitarian aid enter Gaza.

 PalMed Europe celebrates launching PalMed Turkey

PalMed has a new joining sister institution in Turkey. The new branch is in the process of registering with the Turkish authorities and will be announced in more details soon. 

Six colleagues from Istanbul are setting for the first Annual General Meeting.

PalMed remains the largest Palestinian Medical institution of professional unity purpose, abroad of Palestine.

PalMed Germany at a turning point in its sixth annual conference

Hamburg witnessed the 6th conference between the 22nd and the 25th of June in the presence of more than 100 participants from the Palestinian healthcare professionals and supporters of the Palestinian cause from Germany healthcare professionals.

The professional theme of the conference was on vascular surgery and interventional radiology. The meeting discussed the current status of these surgeries in Palestine and the most recent updates in this field in the world.

Dr Muneer Deeb welcomed the participants and paid attributes to Hamburg’s reputation of leading on hospitality and openness to the world. He updated the attendees on acquiring the EU recognition of PalMed Europe to be able to advance healthcare facilities for Palestinians in Palestine and wherever they exist. Dr Deeb also updated participants on the progress of main PalMed projects in Palestine including the German project on vascular surgeries and interventional radiology, the British project on kidney transplant, the French project on urological surgeries and the Italian project on orthopaedic surgery.

The conference also welcomed Dr Musa Abu Daggah, Chairman of the Association of Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Higher Education in Palestine. Abu Daggah reiterated the ministry’s aspirations towards establishing a Palestinian-European University of Technology building on the successes and links between Palestine and Europe.

The conference then included scientific lectures and workshops from consultants in the fields. Dr Hans Schindler presented his experience in conducting cardiovascular surgeries. Dr Schindler visited Gaza twice and reported on the difficulties and challenges faced by his Palestinian colleagues when trying to save lives under siege and occupations. Dr Nael Abu Saleem reported on his experience of operating on vascular stents in Gaza. The conference also included many sessions on professional issues including Islamic medical ethics and current humanitarian crisis in Syria.

 At the end of the conference the General Meeting was held where the previous Administrative Board submitted their resignation and a new Board was elected. The new Board consisted of Dr. Ashraf Dada, Dr. Khalil Halabe, Dr. Ghada Abu Easha, Dr. Azzam Athamne, Dr. Mustafa El-Khatib, Dr. Mohammad Banat und Dr. Majdi Natour.

The conference included paying tributes to those of Palestinian origin who acquired new degrees or specialisation in the medical field in Germany.

The conference didn’t miss out on presentation of cultural, social and art sessions from Palestinian Folk in addition to some tourist visits to some of Hamburg attractions.

PalMed- Italy on its third annual meeting

The meeting took place in June of this year in the town of brescia in lombardia in the north of Italy. Doctors from all over Italy participated in the meeting that was also attended by PalMed Europe Chairman, Dr Mohammed Salim.

The meeting updated attendees on the latest news from Italy and Europe, including the acquisition of the EU recognition of PalMed as a professional not-for-profit charity with it’s headquarter located in Brussels.

The meeting was a great opportunity for members to network and exchange ideas of supporting the Palestinian cause.

The meeting was concluded with the resignation of the previous Administrative Board and the election of a new Board consisting of: Dr Ra’ed Majdalawy as Chairman, Dr Imad Joulany as Vice Chairman, Ashraf Sheikh Kasem as Secretary, Dr Aysam Meshney as Treasurer, Dr Ameen Titi responsible for Aid and emergency Committee, Dr Deeb Buhaisy for internal affairs and Dr Basem Abdulhadi for Media affairs.

PalMed sends third medical aid convoy to Gaza Camp of Jordan

Dr Murad Odeh, a General surgeon from Italy led the medical convoy to Gaza Camp of Jerash, Jordan for the second time. The convoy provided medical assessment of refugees and provided treatment to those in need. They also gave some aid to needy families.

Gaza Camp of Jerash hosts over 28,000 Palestinian refugees on an area of 750,000 m2.