Doctors & Clinics in Palestine
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Palestine (officially the State of Palestine) includes the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) in the north and Gaza Strip in the South. Popular travel destinations include the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Samaritan Ruins, the Yasser Arafat Museum, and Hisham’s Palace.
Due to ongoing conflict, healthcare in Palestine is limited and the standards for patient care and medical services may differ from your home country. Healthcare is provided by public and private health sectors, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The majority of the country’s doctors work in the public sector and with NGOs. The country faces a shortage of medical supplies and medical professionals, particularly specialists.
In Gaza, healthcare is extremely limited and the quality of care is poor due to frequent power outages and shortages of medical equipment and essential medications. Patients are often referred to Israel, Jordan, or the West Bank for specialized care. Healthcare in the West Bank is concentrated in urban areas such as East Jerusalem, where specialized hospitals are available. However, access to East Jerusalem and movement in and out of Gaza is highly regulated.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals in Palestine typically require upfront payment in cash, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Due to limited healthcare services, medical evacuation to Israel or Western Europe is common for serious health emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Palestine.
Pharmacies may not be adequately stocked; essential medications and supplies are often in short supply or unavailable. Special medication may be difficult to find. Many medications that typically require a prescription can be purchased over-the-counter in Palestine. Standard pharmaceutical practice is not widespread and there is typically limited interaction between pharmacists and patients.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Palestine's embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in Palestine may not be in good condition, particularly in rural areas, and traffic is often chaotic. A national seat belt law applies to all occupants of a vehicle and all passengers and drivers of motorcycles are required to wear a helmet.