Al Mezan Center was informed from sources in the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) of the deposed government, on 14 February 2008, that the General Department of Pharmacies central warehouses in Gaza received quantities of expired medical supplies from depots in the West Bank (a list of the supplies is at the end of this press release).
Al Mezan made an inquiry on this subject and visited stores of the Pharmacy Service in Gaza, and called the Director of Medical Equipment in the West Bank.
After hearing the specialist's opinions, it is evident that these supplies may not constitute a direct threat on the health of patients; however they cannot be used for medical purposes.
Only in case of necessity and in accordance with certain procedures can they be used.
Al Mezan denounces the shipment of expired medical supplies to the Gaza Strip.
It also expresses its concern over how this reflects the internal political situation and the ability of governmental institutions to continue their work adequately.
This situation especially affects health institutions, which should be at the highest levels of readiness to face risks resulting from the IOF's escalation of aggression against the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, the health sector must be prepared for the likely prospect of the IOF conducting military operations, as demonstrated repeatedly in official Israeli statements.
Thus, Al Mezan calls on government officials and workers in the health sector to do the following: Give priority to professionalism over political disputes, and strengthen the administrative interdependence among public administrations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Maintain a reserve stock of medical supplies to protect the population's right to health care and right to life.
Bind strictly to the mechanisms and specified protocols for the distribution of medical supplies, despite the ability to use expired medical supplies in some cases.
The use of expired supplies is linked to several conditions, the most important of which is the nature of these supplies since it enters the human body and touches internal organs, thereby sterilization must be ensured.
Additionally, supplies need to be replenished in case of a health emergency during this time when alternatives are lacking.
The MOH must move away from using the General Department of Pharmacy warehouses and ensure it upholds scientific standards and procedures in dealing with stocks of medical supplies.
Also, the MOH needs to upgrade its stock for hospitals and health centers, and develop its systems and procedures to ensure limited mistakes in order to maintain renewed stocks for emergency situations.
Overcome political divisions in their administrative matters in order to regain coordination and cooperation between officials in the MOH, either in the Gaza Strip or West Bank, as it was previously.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights emphasizes that the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip shared, and still shares, in further deteriorating the level of health services in the Gaza Strip.
It also emphasizes that upgrading the performance of official institutions would ease slightly the effects of this siege.
In this regard, Al Mezan renews its call upon the international community to work seriously and effectively to end the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip.
Al Mezan also calls on the international institutions to provide support to the health sector, so that it may perform its duty to protect human life and alleviate the suffering of patients.
This includes those who lose their lives due to lack of medicine and their denied access to Israeli or other foreign hospitals.
End Table 1 Expired Medical Supplies Shipped from Ramallah to the Gaza Strip (Documented by Al Mezan) NO Item Exp.
date Quantity 1 Bore marrow biobsy 15-16 G 9.
2006 30 Pcs 2 Laryngeal mask reusale 11.
2006 24 Pcs 3 Gypsona 25 cm 3.
2006 75 Doz 4 Gauze 30 x 30 cm pack /5 4.
2007 2700 5 Gauze 45x 45cm pack /5 4.
2007 950