Referral of Patients from the Gaza Strip – WHO Monthly Report (March 2016)

Erez crossing

• 3 in 10 patients delayed or denied permits: Of 2,205 patient applications submitted in March for permits to exit Gaza through Erez checkpoint for hospital appointments, 68.93% were approved. 121 patients (5.49%), including five children and five elderly persons over 60 years, were denied and 564 patients (25.58%), including 177 children and 50 elderly people over 60, received no response to their applications (Palestinian District Liaison office in Gaza).

• 82 patients requested for security interview (GSS): 48 males and 34 females were requested for GSS interviews during March (page 7).

• 4 in 10 patient companions delayed or denied permits (page 5).

• 2 patients arrested at Erez (page 7).

• Restricted access for humanitarian health staff through Erez (page 7).

Rafah exit

•  No access to Egypt during March: According to Palestinian officials at Rafah terminal, the Rafah border terminal was closed over the month. No medical delegates or medical aid entered Gaza through Egypt during the month. 

Ministry of Health Referrals in March

• Of the 2,363 patients referred by the Ministry of Health in March to outside care, 1,000 patients were sent to the East Jerusalem hospitals; total estimated cost was NIS 10,342,514. The top 5 needed procedures for Gaza patients were in oncology, MRI, paediatrics, haematology, and heart catheterization.