Pakistani doctors rally to aid Gaza’s strained health facilities

KARACHI: Hundreds of Pakistani doctors have volunteered to assist overwhelmed health facilities in Gaza, as reported by Anadolu.

The reports indicate that Pakistani aid groups are collaborating with counterparts in Turkey and Egypt to reach the distressed Palestinian population as Pakistani citizens face obstacles in traveling to the besieged city due to the absence of diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, representatives from key Pakistani health professional bodies, including the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association and the Pakistan Medical Association, have revealed that numerous doctors, surgeons, anesthetists, and paramedics have enlisted themselves to serve in the compromised health facilities if granted entry into Gaza.

The development follows an Israeli attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of over 500 lives, including children, patients, and paramedics.

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Furthermore, several Pakistani NGOs, such as Al-Khidmat Foundation, Sailani Welfare Trust, and Baitussalam Trust, are actively coordinating with Turkish and Egyptian relief agencies to explore avenues for providing assistance to the besieged Gaza.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of Al-Khidmat Foundation Waqas Anjum Jafri informed Turkish news agency that relief goods amounting to Rs100 million ($357,453) have already been handed over to the Turkish partners, with an additional commitment of Rs400 million ($1.42 million).

“As soon as the humanitarian corridor is established, our trained disaster management teams and doctors, along with relief assistance, are ready to go to Gaza,” he added.

The conflict, initiated by Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, has resulted in a significant toll on both sides, with over 3,448 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza and more than 1,400 casualties in Israel.