IHCA Statement on worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Irish Hospital Consultants Association statement on the Israel-Hamas war, impact on healthcare professionals and hospitals, and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza

On behalf of our nationwide membership of 3,800 hospital consultants, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) is deeply concerned by the healthcare and humanitarian crises in Gaza and the Middle East.

Like so many at home and across the world, we are horrified by this conflict and its devastating impact on people, including tens of thousands of women and children. 

The conflict’s impact on healthcare professionals and hospitals is devastating. The deteriorating humanitarian crisis is profoundly troubling. The potential for even further escalation in Gaza and the likely implications deepens concerns further.  

As healthcare professionals, we share these concerns. Doctors play a pivotal role in providing critical care and comfort to those affected by violence and upheaval. Their capacity to deliver even the most basic care in hazardous conflict zones is strained to unprecedented levels. 

Hospitals are struggling to function in extreme and overwhelming circumstances. Medical supplies, essential to patient treatment and care, are being hampered. Healthcare professionals and wider hospital teams are being injured and killed in the act of providing essential medical care. These realities are deeply distressing.

Hospitals and healthcare professionals in the area must be allowed to function.

We echo the calls of other healthcare organisations and professionals for an immediate ceasefire to hostilities and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. 

We encourage our leaders, including the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, to continue to condemn violence and use every platform possible to push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. 
As healthcare professionals, our members stand ready to play their part in any humanitarian response.

ENDS  

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