In support for the coronavirus prevention efforts in the blockade, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has delivered to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza a total of 800 rapid antigen test kits.

According to Ameed Mushtaha, Manager of the Department of Laboratories at MoH, the new kits give results within 15 minutes. This allows the medical staff to act immediately in case of detection or suspicion.

He added that the Ministry has a shortage in coronavirus testing supplies and this is the first time they received such type of kits. "We hope it is not the last time. The kits will be used instantly for those coming from the border crossing points, as per the coronavirus control policy,” he added.

Three surgeries for patients with problems in carotid arteries and branches of aorta were conducted by Dr. Mohamed Klob, QRCS’s Consultant of Vascular Surgery and Microsurgery in Gaza, together with his medical team at the European Gaza Hospital (EGH).

QRCS supports vascular surgical interventions under its project to enhance specialised surgical services in Gaza.

Dr. Klob stated that one patient (18) had a successful surgery to remove a carotid body tumor. The tumor surrounded the left side of the carotid arteries, contiguous with all the endocrine gland in that part. In a three-hour operation, the tumor was removed, and the patient is now in good health, without neurological injuries.

Another two operations were performed to create arteriovenous fistulae in two patients in their fifties, one of whom had been referred back from hospitals in the West Bank. They suffered recurrent blood clots in the brain on a daily basis, as well as serious two-sided carotid artery stenosis (70%), which resulted in loss of consciousness and upper and lower limb hemiparesis.

The medical expert added that, “Our interventions focus on surgical operations of the aorta and its branches, as well as carotid artery microsurgeries to prevent blood clots in the brain, including removal of carotid artery stenoses.” He further stressed, “We target to perform 30-35 operations at the hospital per month”.

He  supervises the training of four physicians in the specialty of vascular surgery in coordination with MOH. Specifically, they are trained in how to make arterial connections for dialysis patients.

Dr. Mushtaha revealed plans for more training in arteriovenous fistulae and stents. “We are arranging with the Department of Cardiac Surgery to work together on surgeries for Palestinian patients,” he disclosed.

QRCS’s Specialized Surgical Services Support in Gaza project aims to develop vascular and other surgeries, such as cardio-thoracic surgery and urology, as well as anesthesia. It also involves training courses on emergency medicine, clinical pharmacy, and health care management, in addition to advanced training in endoscopic surgery and treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) patients. The total budget of the project is $1.4m, funded by the organization.