Cairo:The Council of Arab Ministers for Health has called on member states to provide ongoing support to the Palestinian health sector. The Council emphasized the need for essential medicines, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, alongside supporting the recovery and reconstruction of Palestine's healthcare infrastructure.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the resolution was issued at the conclusion of the Council's 65th ordinary session and Executive Bureau meeting, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo under the chairmanship of Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar. The Council also urged member states to ensure the availability of medicines and treatments for chronic disease patients, focusing on cancer patients and those undergoing dialysis.
The Council highlighted the importance of the international community in ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian and medical assistance into Palestinian territories. This includes allowing the entry of medicines, vaccines, fuel, medical equipment, and necessary spare parts without restriction. Furthermore, the Council stressed providing vital treatments for infectious diseases, particularly among children, enhancing mental health and psychosocial support for women and children, and expanding physical rehabilitation programs for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the Council underscored the need to allocate $200,000 to address immediate medical and pharmaceutical needs of the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This emergency funding, coordinated with Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population, will be sourced from the Arab Fund for Health Development.
The Council reaffirmed its support for the reconstruction efforts in the healthcare sector, aiming to rebuild and rehabilitate destroyed health facilities across the Gaza Strip. It also encouraged member states to aid in evacuating patients and children requiring advanced medical care outside the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, the Council called for immediate financial assistance to the Palestinian Ministry of Health to meet financial obligations, clear accumulated debts, and ensure continuous healthcare services, including the procurement of essential medicines and supplies. The Council also expressed its unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stressing the importance of securing necessary funding to sustain its operations.
The delegation of the State of Palestine was led by Minister of Health Maged Abu Ramadan, with the participation of Palestine's Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Mohannad Al-Aklouk, along with Third Secretary Ola Amer and Secretary Alaa Al-Sharbati from the Permanent Delegation of Palestine to the Arab League.