Health Ministry opens application for medical aid team to Gaza

PUTRAJAYA - The Health Ministry has opened an online application for officers interested in joining the medical team in Gaza.

Its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said those involved would undergo training for preparation in operating in a war zone.

"The team is prepared and we will train them.

"This training covers physical, mental and emotional aspects because facing this warfare is extremely stressful," she said.

She said this during the celebration of the ministry's Integrity Day, here, yesterday.

Also present were Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni and the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya.

Dr Zaliha said the team from Malaysia will be deployed to provide appropriate assistance to those in need and to supply health-related items.

"The ministry is also workimg closely with authorities such as the Red Cross, Mercy Malaysia and other relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"We also issued a statement (yesterday) to continue preparing medical facility assistance as many are suffering from severe injuries there," she said.

On Monday, the ministry in a statement said that it was ready and has identified the medical aid team that can be deployed to the Gaza Strip as soon as permission was granted.