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Medical help for Gaza
12/01/2009
Scotland's health service is ready to help civilians affected by the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today.
Continuing its call for a ceasefire and backing the UN's resolution, the Scottish Government stands ready to respond to calls for practical assistance.
Working with aid agencies, partners, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID), the Scottish Government has been considering what support can be offered.
A procedure for dealing with any request for medical assistance has been put in place, working with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), an agency co-ordinating NGO involvement in medical aid.
Should the medical evacuation ('medevac') of casualties be possible, some of Scotland's hospitals may be able to receive patients needing specialist care. The number of casualties and which facilities would be used would be dependent on the clinical priorities of the patients concerned.
Speaking today, Ms Sturgeon said:
"We have been very clear that Scotland stands ready to assist where practical assistance may be requested to help ease the suffering of those affected by this crisis.
"NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and NHS Lothian have told me of their very welcome willingness to respond positively to requests for assistance with medical casualties should this be needed.
"The relief of human suffering is central to health care and it is fitting that we should offer our help in the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in this recent action.
"We know that aid agencies are well-placed on the ground and many have strong resources and equipment but are being prevented from providing these. It is vital that these resources such as medical supplies and food are able to get to those who need these as quickly and safely as possible."
An emergency debate on Gaza was held by the Scottish Parliament on January 8, 2009.
The Scottish Government has already confirmed that it stands ready to help the humanitarian effort in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and condemning all attacks on civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian.
The Scottish Government is liaising with DFID (The UK Government Department for International Development), FCO and aid agencies on an ongoing basis.