Monthly Report: Referral of Patients from the Gaza Strip, November 2013

Summary

• Health-seekers: The number of applications for health access through Erez checkpoint is 47% higher this year than the same period in 2012. Due to the access restrictions at Erez Crossing and the frequent closure of Rafah border, hundreds of patients are estimated to be unable to access specialized medical treatment.

• Arrest at Erez: A 24-year-old male patient with a hearing disorder was detained by Israeli security forces when he appeared for a security interview at Erez checkpoint, November 14, after applying for a access permit.

• Outside referrals: Total referrals in November were the second highest of 2013. Referrals to non-MoH facilities within Gaza and the West Bank were at the highest levels of 2013 and to East Jerusalem hospitals were the second highest. Referrals to Egypt were the highest since June, while referrals to Israel were lower than in the previous 3 months.

• Access: In November 2013, 5 male patients were denied permits. 115 patients---37 females and 78 males (8.54% of total applicants) --- received no response to their applications, including 17 children, which delayed their medical treatment. 91.09% of applicants received permits.

• Patients interrogated: Among the 14 patients (10 males; 4 female) requested to appear for Israeli security interviews after applying for permits to cross Erez was one child, a 16-year-old girl. Only one patient was granted a permit after interrogation thus far.

• Medical reasons for referrals: In November 2013 most referrals were for treatment in the following specialties: oncology--243 patients (15.42%), nuclear medicine--162 (10.28%), heart catheterization—117 (7.42%), ophthalmology--116 (7.36%), paediatrics--105 (6.66%), orthopaedics--98 (6.22%), neurosurgery--76 (4.82%), haematology--69 (4.38%), MRI--67 (4.25%), and heart surgery --56 (3.55%).

• Gender gap: There was a gender gap in referrals: 57.4% male patients versus 42.6% female patients. 22.59% of all referrals were children aged 0-17 years and 19.73% were elderly over 60 years.

• Cost: The total estimated cost for Gaza MoH referrals during November was NIS 10,674,914.