The town of Beit Hanun, located in the north of the Gaza strip with a population of about 33 thousand, has only two health clinics: one run by UNRWA, and the other by the Minstry of Health.
The two clinics provide an insufficient amount of general health care and first aid services.
People in Beit Hanun have demanded that health care services equal those available in similar sized towns.
Face the Public provided members of Beit Hanun the opportunity to meet the appropriate officials and demand greater services.
attended by 62 persons Guest speakers Dr.
Kamal ash-Shrafi, PLC member, Northern Gaza District.
Dr.
Abdul-Jabar al-Tibi, General Director of the Primary Health care Department in the Ministry of Health.
Dr.
Ayub al-Alim.
Head of the Health Department in the UNRWA.
Summary of issues raised by the public
Participants argued that the Ministry of Health has neglected Beit Hanun for a long time.
They said there was only one clinic that provides only primary health care in the town.
They asked the Ministry and the UNRWA to support their staff with specialist physicians.
They stressed the fact that the amount of medicine is not enough for the population and that those who are covered by the health insurance program do not receive appropriate service.

Many attendants said they were surprised that there is not an ambulance unit in the town, although it is located by the Israeli border and witnesses continuous clashes.

They demanded that first aid courses be taught in the town.
Both of the Ministry and the UNRWA were criticized for not raising the population's awareness and for their infrequent visits to local schools.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers
All of the speakers agreed that health care services are not adequate and require more effort by both parties, the Ministry of Health and UNRWA.
They claim the situation is a result of the lack of funding they receive from the PA and other donors.
The Ministry has reviewed its properties in accordance with its resources and the new needs of Palestinian society.
They intend to focus on preventing epidemics, saving lives, and improving child and maternity services.

They said they have plans to improve their services in Beit Hanun and promised to support their staff with specialists as soon as possible.

The Ministry's representative offered cooperation with local community to monitor medicine supplies.
They promised to contact the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to ensure ambulance service in the town.

The PLC member criticized the Ministry's policy and asked for â€کbetter exploitation of the available resources,.