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Press statement - MERCY Malaysia enters Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid |
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Monday, 19 January 2009 |
 Under The Patronage of
His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah
The Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan
MERCY MALAYSIA ENTERS GAZA TO DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID
KUALA LUMPUR, MONDAY, 19 JANUARY 2009 – MERCY Malaysia has crossed into the Gaza Strip to deliver specialised medical services to those affected in the threeweek conflict.
Following the approval by the Egyptian authorities to grant MERCY Malaysia access across the Rafah border, the advance medical team made up of two specialists made their way into Gaza last night to initiate MERCY Malaysia’s specialist medical and surgical services inside the conflict area.
The two are MERCY Malaysia Executive Council Member Prof Dr Ikram Mohd Salleh, an anaesthetist, and a volunteer, Dr AlAmin Mohamad Daud, a surgeon.
“We are confident that Dr Ikram and Dr AlAmin’s abilities and competencies as medical and surgical specialists as well as experienced humanitarian workers will enable us to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza,” MERCY Malaysia Acting President Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus said in a statement.
Dr Ikram and Dr AlAmin have been in Cairo since Jan 14, overseeing the procurement of medical supplies and equipment which have been sent into the Gaza Strip.
The two had coordinated the purchasing and equipping of 4 ambulances and a mobile blood bank unit.
These efforts are part of MERCY Malaysia’s comprehensive plan of action to deliver humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.
The two will now assess further needs in the medical and health sector from inside the Gaza Strip before making specific recommendations to its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
“We hope to send in a full specialised surgical team at the earliest possible opportunity,” Dr Faizal said.
As at yesterday, the World Health Organisation reported that the 22day conflict has killed more than 1,200 and injured about 5,200.
Dr Faizal said that given the escalating number of injuries, MERCY Malaysia was stepping up its Gaza response.
MERCY Malaysia has been able to work for the Gaza survivors because of the generous contributions of the Malaysian public.
Please continue to donate to the Palestine Relief Fund through MERCY Malaysia. For CIMB users, make cheques payable to MERCY MALAYSIA through account number 14240006561053. MAYBANK users may make cheques out to MERCY HUMANITARIAN FUND at account number 562179504126. Please indicate “Palestine Relief Fund” on the back of the cheque.
For more information, please contact the Communications and Fundraising Department at 0322733999 or log on to www.mercy.org.my
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