In a compassionate response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Dr. Hafeezur Rehman, an orthopedic surgeon from Lahore, is among the 2,800 Pakistani doctors who have volunteered to provide medical aid in the war-torn region.
Upon hearing about the dire situation, Dr. Rehman decided to offer his services in response to the call of Al Khidmat Foundation (AKF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to humanitarian causes. When Dr. Rehman informed his father of his decision, the only message he conveyed was, “Give my salams to the people of Palestine.”
Recognizing the importance of unified efforts, several Pakistani NGOs, including Akhuwat, have decided to collaborate and channel their resources through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as per the government’s policy and protocols.
Dr. Rehman, reflecting on the urgency of the situation, stated, “When I hear of doctors working around the clock, who don’t even have time to mourn the death of their own family members, I feel I cannot sit around and do nothing.”
In addition to AKF, Dr. Rehman has also registered his name with Medicine Sans Frontiers and the International Committee of the Red Cross, expressing his readiness to serve through whichever organization facilitates a quicker deployment to Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 200 healthcare workers losing their lives since the conflict began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Dr. Rehman acknowledged the difference between working in a natural disaster and a war zone, emphasizing his training to handle emergency situations.
Despite the challenges, other Pakistani medical professionals, such as Dr. Anjum Naseem and Dr. Huma Zafar, have also volunteered through AKF. Dr. Zafar, a pediatric oncologist, expressed her determination, stating, “I worked non-stop during Covid-19…I will be able to handle Gaza too.”
However, concerns have been raised about the accessibility of Gaza. Dr. Zahid Latif, head of Al Khidmat Health Foundation, highlighted the need for visas from Egypt and stressed the urgency of delivering essential medical equipment to Gaza. He proposed the establishment of a hospital-like facility at the Rafah border if necessary.
Expressing frustration over the delays, Dr. Naseem emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian assistance. He stated, “This is not the time to worry about the influx of refugees but to provide the Palestinians help on humanitarian grounds at least.”
Despite efforts by AKF to coordinate with international humanitarian organizations, including attempts to set up a field hospital, there seems to be an impasse. Dr. Latif emphasized that the safety of the volunteering doctors remains a top priority.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani informed the Senate that Pakistan is in contact with Egyptian and Jordanian authorities to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. However, hindrances imposed by Israel are preventing the delivery of aid to Gaza, leaving the medical volunteers awaiting a breakthrough.
