Statement from MERCY Malaysia on the Alleged Deaths of MERCY Malaysia Doctors in Gaza

8 June 2010 - It has come to our attention that there have been rumours circulated via SMS of alleged deaths of doctors deployed by MERCY Malaysia to Gaza.

We would like to appeal to the members of the public to stop circulating the SMS, as the alleged claims are untrue.

We have not deployed any Malaysian staff or volunteers to Gaza in 2010, as all our work is now carried out by our local partners in the Gaza Strip.

Among our current projects in the Gaza Strip is the running of a psychosocial programme in partnership with the Emaar Society, where we have established a Centre for Care & Psychological Consultation for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. The continuous conflict in Gaza has left heavy psychological effects on the survivors of the crisis, and this is one way for us to support the local community there.

We also run a medical rehabilitation outreach programme with El-Wafa Charitable Society, where disabled patients registered with the local hospital are able to receive physiotherapy, occupational therapy and primary health services at the comfort of their own home.

Other forms of assistance also include the donation of medical equipment and ambulances, as well as the reconstruction of El-Wafa Medical Rehabilitation and Specialised Surgery Hospital. All these efforts have been made possible through the generous donations from the members of the public.

We express our deepest regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extend our sympathies to families of the dead and wounded. We call for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid and aid workers to and from Gaza.

DATO’ DR AHMAD FAIZAL MOHD PERDAUS
PRESIDENT