…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
An NHS doctor, Nick Maynard, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza as hundreds of cancer patients are deprived of essential treatment due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.
Maynard, a consultant surgeon from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, along with his colleague Bijendran Patel from the Royal London Hospital, had traveled to Gaza to perform keyhole surgeries on cancer patients.
However, their efforts were disrupted by the outbreak of fighting, forcing them to remain confined to their hotel.
The Frustrations of Limited Medical Aid:
Maynard, who has been visiting Gaza for over a decade, revealed that he has witnessed the destruction caused by the fighting and the restrictions imposed on their movement.
He expressed his disappointment that their planned surgeries could not be conducted, estimating that there are several hundred patients who urgently require treatment.
Unfortunately, the lack of facilities in Gaza makes it impossible for patients to receive radiotherapy, with only limited chemotherapy options available.
Patients must travel to Jerusalem or the West Bank for comprehensive treatment, further exacerbating their predicament.
The Plight of Humanitarian Workers:
Maynard also highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian workers, noting that 12 UK nationals, including himself, have been barred from leaving Gaza.
They are among over 100 aid workers who are unable to cross the border to return home and escape the escalating conflict.
The doctor expressed hope that the situation would change soon, with talks reportedly being resumed.
However, he acknowledged the likelihood of further delays due to religious observances, such as the Sabbath.
The Impact on Patients:
The ongoing conflict has profound implications for the prognosis of patients in Gaza.
The unavailability of radiotherapy and limited access to chemotherapy significantly affect the chances of recovery for those suffering from cancer.
Maynard stressed that the longer the conflict persists, the greater the danger for these patients.
He expressed immense concern for their well-being and emphasized the urgency of providing them with the necessary medical care.
Conclusion:
The harrowing scenes witnessed by NHS doctor Nick Maynard in Gaza shed light on the dire situation faced by cancer patients amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.
The lack of adequate medical facilities in Gaza, coupled with the restrictions on movement imposed by the fighting, severely hampers patients’ access to life-saving treatments.
The plight of both patients and humanitarian workers highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict, ensuring that essential medical care reaches those in desperate need.