Geneva: Minister of Health Majid Abu Ramadan warned of the total collapse of the Palestinian healthcare system.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency, Minister Abu Ramadan, speaking at the 79th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, described the situation in Palestine as a crisis of humanity, affecting the survival of the Palestinian people. He highlighted the systematic destruction of vital healthcare infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including hospitals, clinics, ambulances, laboratories, and pharmacies.
The Minister recounted distressing scenes of children undergoing amputations without anesthesia, pregnant women giving birth without adequate medical care, and patients with cancer and chronic illnesses being deprived of essential treatments. The crisis is exacerbated by a rise in child malnutrition and the spread of infectious diseases due to overcrowding and damaged sewage systems.
Minister Abu Ramadan emphasized that the crisis extends to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where refugee camps face daily attacks and destruction, resulting in the forced displacement of thousands. He highlighted the critical role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) as a lifeline for millions, appealing for sustained financial support for the health sector and UNRWA. He urged the agency to resume activities in clinics in northern West Bank refugee camps and reopen all departments of Qalqilya Hospital.
He also called for immediate protection for medical personnel and facilities, stressing that humanitarian aid must remain apolitical.