Palestinian refugees have been suffering for many years from limited funding to access services in general, and healthcare services in particular, a problem that has been exacerbated recently as a number of countries suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This requires concerted efforts between all civil and governmental sectors, as well as private companies and institutions to provide healthcare and social protection.
As a key and supportive part of providing Palestinian refugees with medical care services, and individuals in general, pioneering associations and organizations has played an outstanding role in this field, including the Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Established in Jordan in 1990, MAP has provided primary health care to more than 2 million patients through clinics dedicated to Palestinian refugees in the camps of Gaza in Jerash, Hittin in Marka, Talbiya in Zizia, and later in Sukhna camp.
To learn about the journey of MAP, which was established with an Arab will and identity, and the health services and medical care it provides, the Al-Nahda Women's Network of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), within the framework of the bi-weekly Wednesday meetings, in cooperation with the Right to Health Work Group at the Forum for Supporting the Justice Sector, held a panel discussion entitled: "The Jordanian Society for Medical Aid for Palestinians... A Journey of Giving and Healing", Wednesday, July 31, 2024, which featured a speech by MAP’s CEO, Shireen Shaheen, and was moderated by Senior Advisor at Durrat Al-Manal for Development and Training and member of JONAF’s administrative committee, Dr. Sawsan Al-Majali.
Regarding the organization and its services, Shaheen explained that it is a local non-governmental, non-profit charity registered with the Ministry of Social Development, whose goal is to provide healthcare services to respond to the needs of Palestinian refugees in the camps and neighboring villages, as it was able through charitable donations to provide comprehensive medical examinations and treatments to all individuals, not just refugees.
"MAP also provides medical services free of charge, or for a nominal fee within its medical centers, especially maternal, child, and neurological services. We also provide all kinds of treatment for people with disabilities free of charge, in addition to providing them with the necessary medicines and medical food," Shaheen added.
As for the organization’s programs, Shaheen stressed the provision of health awareness and education through organizing campaigns on public health and disease prevention, to promote awareness of health safety and healthy lifestyles, as well as promoting mental health, and providing medicine to patients, performing surgeries, securing medical supplies and equipment, physiotherapy services, and organizing free medical days.
Regarding partnerships and cooperation with local and international institutions, Shaheen pointed out that the association cooperates with the local community by organizing workshops and awareness campaigns to raise awareness about health issues, as well as with civil and international organizations, embassies, and medical institutions.
In conclusion, the participants in the meeting stressed the need to provide comprehensive medical care to all individuals, with the importance of boosting the funding of primary health care services and improving their infrastructure, developing preventive health programs and health awareness campaigns, involving beneficiaries in planning and implementation according to their needs and priorities, and paying adequate attention to mental health as an essential component of the right to health.
