The Effect of Israeli Actions During Al-Aqsa Intifada on Health Services Provided in the West Bank of Palestine

Alaqsa Intifada which began on 28thof September 2000 has affected all the different aspects of the Palestinian lives especially the health sector, in this study we highlight the effect of the Israeli actions on the Palestinian health services by comparing these services provided to the Palestinian before and during Alaqsa Intifada. The study was done between the 1stof February 2002 and 28th of May of the same year. We used the questionnaire method which consists of two parts, the first one contains the personal data of the health workers and the second one includes 42 questions to be answered, these revolve around 3 domains, the effect on the health providers ,on the patients and who the health strategic planners coped with the new situation. The questionnaires distributed to the health workers according to the following percentage: male (60%) female (40%) working at governmental sector (53%) NGO’S (19%) UNRWA (10%) and the private sector (17%) including doctors (26%) nurse (30%) administrators (14%) and pharmacists (10%), we used the SPSS program to analyze the data. The study results show a significant effect of the Intifada on the health services, the following points worth concernment: - Overall the Israeli actions have negatively impact on the health services provided (29%), the health providers were negatively affected by (38%), the patients and health services recipients by (58%) and the strategic planners coping did not exceed (13%). -The impact of the Israeli actions on all health programs and aspects was significant including the health promotion, health education, immunization, and environmental and training programs. -There was statically significant difference of the level of health services according to sex, age, place of residence and the method of transportation to work, however the study shows no statically significant differences according to type and nature of job, nor to the place of job. Our recommendations in this study are the following: - The health authorities must open hospitals and clinics not only in cities, but in villages and rural areas which can help the people there to avoid the Israeli siege and closure. - Redistribution of health workers according to place of residence is highly recommended. - Drug store and distribution policy of the ministry of health needs to be revised with concentration on decentralization. - Planning on alternatives to deliver all essential health services especially vaccines by coordination between different health sectors and the local communities. - Health workers need special attention and support since they are carrying much heavier and more dangerous work load. - A strong need to establish health media center to cover accurately all the results of the Israeli actions on Palestinian health.