Referral of Patients from the Gaza Strip – WHO monthly report (Feb. 2016)

Erez crossing

• Approval rates drop for patients' permits: Of 2,006 patient applications submitted for permits to exit Gaza through Erez checkpoint for hospital appointments in February, 71.59% were approved. Sixty one patients (3.04%), including four children and four elderly persons over 60 years, were denied and 509 patients (25.37%), including 152 children and 60 elderly people over 60, received no response to their applications (Palestinian District Liaison office in Gaza).

• High number of patients requested for security interview (GSS): 71 patients, among them 16 females, were requested for GSS interviews during February. (See page 6)

Rafah exit

•  3 days of access to Egypt during February: According to Palestinian officials at Rafah terminal, the Rafah border terminal was open for only 3 days allowing 62 patients and 61 companions among 2,349 travellers to cross to Egypt for health care. No medical delegates or medical aid entered Gaza through Egypt during the month.

Ministry of Health referrals in February

• Ministry of Health referred 2,269 patients in February to outside care with an estimated cost of NIS 10,864,505. Top 5 needed procedures for Gaza patients were in oncology, hematology, MRI, heart catheterization, and paediatrics