Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Israeli Clinic Closes After Treating Five Palestinians

IRIN, January 28, 2009 - The Israeli emergency clinic at the Erez crossing [into Gaza], which opened on the day Israel declared a ceasefire in Gaza (18 January), has closed after treating only five wounded Palestinians.

The original purpose of the clinic, according to press releases, was to provide emergency care and evacuate those needing further care to hospitals in Israel.

Gynaecologists, paediatricians, general practitioners and trauma specialists were available at the clinic, which was operated by the Health Ministry and Mada (Israel’s national emergency, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service).

Foreign press and aid workers said the clinic was merely a publicity stunt. Scores of journalists were invited to its opening day.

A volunteer nurse at the clinic, who preferred anonymity, said: ''It is an extremely well-equipped clinic. We are able to treat a wide selection of medical conditions; it is a pity that only five patients benefitted from our services.'' ....

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