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Getting permission to leave is daunting. Permits are required. Bureaucratic obstacles must be overcome. The entire process is time-consuming. Gravely ill patients can't wait. As a result, some die needlessly. Others suffer interminable pain. So do loved ones watching them.
On November 17, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) headlined, "Gaza: Residents deprived of critical medications and medical care," saying:
Gaza health facilities are critically short of drugs and medical supplies. MSF and others can't make up for shortfalls. "In late September, 36% of essential drugs were lacking," some entirely.
Since Israel besieged Gaza in June 2007, conditions continue to deteriorate. Aid falls far short of needs. At least 164 essential drugs are "completely unavailable."
"Patients' health is threatened....Only 260 of the 900 required medical supply items (specifically, single-use items) were supplied."
Most affected medical areas include surgery, intensive care, hermodialysis, treatment to prevent organ transplant rejection, oncology, hematology, psychiatric medications, ophthalmology, maternity, pediatrics, and catheterization lab procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease.
In addition, five medical centers treating kidney disease face drug shortages. Unless resupplied within several weeks, they'll be exhausted. As a result, patients' lives will be endangered. Many already are. For others it's too late.
MSF concluded saying, "We remain particularly concerned about the future of Gaza's patients and ill residents."
Staying alive and healthy under siege is daunting. Few in normal surroundings understand. Gazans live it daily.
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