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An experienced Palestinian doctor is working with about 20 local volunteers at a very basic medical clinic in Camp X. Some of the volunteers have previously had medical education/training (some are nurses, others have first aid training) but most are receiving training through their work at the clinic. Some of them are known from a previous relief project; some are from families living at the camp; some have come to work because they heard about the clinic, have had family members treated there, or have been treated themselves. |
The clinic provides general health care, a high percentage of patients being children and the elderly. There is a prevalence of kidney problems, and cancer. There are often budget shortages, and the only alternative clinic is the UNRWA clinic which only addresses minor needs and distributes medicines for pain relief, cold, flu and the like.
During the week the clinic serves an average of 50 people, and currently serves about 70 families in follow-up.
Costs. Since the refugee population has - for the most part - stabilised, and the initial health needs met, the clinic is able to focus on those conditions requiring more expensive medication. Currently, the clinic administers an average of 50 doses of medication per week, at an average cost of £35-£40 per dose. However this cost is continually rising as the government subsidy on all medicines (an historic practice for a long time, to help keep medicine prices lower for poorer families) was cut due to the effects of Covid-19, and the fact that the economic situation has been deteriorating.