AN Oxfordshire MP has hosted two expert doctors in parliament to share their experiences treating Palestinians at hospitals in Gaza.
Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, met with Medical Aid for Palestinians and medical professionals Nick Maynard and Deborah Harrington, earlier this week.
Dr Maynard, a consultant gastrointestinal surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, told the Liberal Democrat MP about a boy, about eight years of age, who had suffered an untreatable brain injury and had been left to die on the floor of the emergency room.
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The doctors told the group about the lack of primary healthcare for everyday conditions and ailments.
They told parliament: “As the conflict continues and humanitarian aid does not reach those who need it, the prevalence of malnutrition leaves people more susceptible to infectious diseases.
“There is also a distinct lack of available treatment for non-communicable diseases like the 9,000 people in Gaza with cancer or those who are experiencing kidney failure.”
Dr Harrington, lead consultant obstetrician for the High Risk Maternal Medicine Service at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, spoke of hundreds of people walking around the hospital trying to find the help they need.
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In a question in parliament last week, Ms Moran raised the experiences shared by the two doctors, as well as a report by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which projects that a 'continuation of the status quo could lead to excess deaths of up to 58,260'.
It comes as the MP lost a family member who died during the conflict in Gaza.
She said: “I was incredibly moved by Nick and Deborah’s testimonies. It’s vital that parliamentarians are able to hear first-hand accounts of life and death in Gaza.
“It’s clear that we need an immediate bilateral ceasefire to stop the killings, but we also need a concerted international effort to rebuild Gaza’s medical infrastructure.
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“I am incredibly proud of Oxford’s tradition of high quality medical research, innovation, and care and to hear about the difference that both Nick and Deborah were able to make in the face of unimaginable horrors is a testament to both their courage and bravery and that tradition.”
Dr Harrington, who is also a consultant obstetrician and subspecialist in maternal and fetal medicine, added: “My time working at the hospital in Gaza will stay with me forever.
"I’m grateful that Layla was able to host myself and Professor Maynard as we gave our testimony to Members of Parliament.
“As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate beyond all measure, and an Israeli military ground incursion into Rafah looks to be imminent, it is clear that the only way to save civilian lives and prevent further attacks on dear friends and colleagues working in the hospitals there, is for world leaders to demand a ceasefire now and accountability for violations of international law.”
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