Health and Medical

Interpal subsidises medical treatment for the needy. Here a kidney patient is transported to hospital by taxi as ambulances are sometimes blocked at checkpoints.

The prolonged curfews and closures mean that it is now extremely difficult for the Palestinian population to access health services. This is not confined to those suffering injuries as a result of military action, since many Palestinians who suffer from long term illnesses such as kidney failure, heart disease and diabetes are no longer able to get regular medical treatment or supplies.

As a result Interpal allocates about 5% of the funds it distributes for medical aid purposes, and it has responded to the decline in healthcare provisions in the following ways:

• Distributing funds to hospitals, medical centers and local clinics to ensure continued service provision
• Supporting projects for the purchase of necessary medical equipment, medical supplies and mobile clinics
• Providing funds to help set up specialised medical units
• Providing subsidies for medical treatment and healthcare for the poor and needy, and rehabilitation for the disabled and the elderly