Favour Ozioma Ogbodo
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and Palestine Red Crescent Society has transferred 151 patients, relatives and health workers from Al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza.
This mission took place on 24th November where 73 severely ill or injured patients including 18 dialysis patients, 26 patients with serious spinal injuries, 8 patients with severe chronic conditions, two in need of critical care and 19 patients in wheel chairs.
It took about 20 hours for to completely evacuate and 6 hours were used at the check to screen all ambulances at the Israelite Defense Force, WHO stated.
It expressed extreme concern about the safety of the estimated 100 patients and health workers remaining at Al-Shifa, noting that due to limited time the mission members were able to spend in the hospital and the urgency of moving the most critical, it was difficult to determine exactly how many patients were remaining.
WHO said, “Two of the six detained health workers have reportedly been released. We do not have information about the well-being of the four remaining health staff, including the director of Al-Shifa hospital. WHO calls for their legal and human rights to be fully observed during their detention.”
“WHO again asks all relevant authorities to ensure that the medical evacuations that has been requested to assist in can proceed safely, under agreed procedures, without endangering the lives of patients. Ultimately, the safety, security and evacuation decisions rest with relevant authorities.”
