Ejaz Khan

To witness people begging for food and clothing is somewhat accepted in society today but it is inhumane and morally unacceptable, when patients have to beg for treatment due to ill health and financial challenges. Sadly, the health situation in Palestine, is despairing.

Presently, there are many challenges in the Palestinian health sector. Among these challenges are the increased numbers of patients suffering from cancer, hepatitis, renal failure, rheumatic diseases and arterial sclerosis.

Poverty in Palestine affects more than 50% of the population causing a strain on the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The quality of healthcare in this region has declined and in some cases is non-existent. Patients are consistently on waiting lists for receiving treatments, diagnostic testing and therapies.

In order to address this crisis, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa has partnered with PIMA – a humanitarian organization which focuses on the addressing the medical needs of Palestinians.

Radio Islam spoke to Dr Maalik , South Africa co-ordinator for PIMA.

On Who PIMA is:
“PIMA has launched a Poor Patient Fund that ensures healthcare for poor and needy patients in Palestine. PIMA wishes to assist with the challenges in the health sector. “

On who the target recipients of the Poor Patient Fund will be:
“The target group includes orphans and widows, ill children, poor and needy families and the wounded who are unable to pay the cost of treatment. “

On services are offered by PIMA:
Payment for basic health services expenses is based on the economic condition of the patient and his family, which includes:

• Cost of diagnosis by doctors and specialists,
• Laboratory tests and x-rays
• Medication, especially for chronic patients
• Cost of surgery and hospital fees
• Providing medical equipment, like wheelchairs, crutches, etc. if needed.
• Any other supplementary domestic assistance which may be needed.

On how PIMA goes about selecting and identifying needy patients:
“PIMA has an official representative operating the various regions of Palestine. Its major role is supervision, management and ensuring maximum service delivery to poor patients.

A Social Researcher is responsible for assessing the application forms of patients and priority is given to urgent cases based on the financial status of the patient as well as the severity of the medical condition.

Thereafter, institutions or health facilities are appointed to provide the required services to the patient. The provider may be a hospital, a specialized center, a pharmacy or a laboratory in the patient’s residential area.

Due to the fact that the beneficiaries of this fund are needy patients, the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa has endorsed the usage of Zakaah funds for this project. Donors are welcome to contribute their Zakaah as well as other charity to this greatly needed project.

PIMA is very grateful to Jamiatul Ulama South Africa and its generous donors who have made a difference in the lives of more than 300 needy patients, to date. “

Radio Islam also spoke to a Patient in Gaza’s mother, Wafaa, who explained how PIMA helped her son.

How has your life improved and changed after receiving the medical treatment you needed?
… My son is 6 years old. Doctors discovered that one of his testicles is missing. Needed surgery because it doesn’t fix it itself.
They told us about PIMA and how they help . They paid the medical bills for my son. Medical bills were high and our income doesn’t allow for us to be able to afford healthcare. The testicle could’ve turn into a tumor but alhamdulilah we managed to get him sorted out.

Do you have any concluding remarks or words of appreciation to express?
“Firstly thanks to PIMA and their quick response.
Special thanks to Jamiatul Ulama from covering the medical expenses of my son.
Special thanks to the community and donors of south Africa.This is not surprising, we shared a similar struggle and maybe one day we will also get freedom as you have, Insha Allah, I can’t thank you enough. “

How can people contribute to the Poor Patient Fund?
Contributions can be made directly to Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

Name: Jamiatul Ulama South Africa – Relief
Bank: Nedbank – Fordsburg
Branch Code: 195305
Account Number: 1953 285937
Reference: Palestine Poor Patient Fund