Latest news with #MERCYMalaysia
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Female Doctor Shares Experience From Humanitarian Mission In Gaza
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- The suffering of the Palestinian people became the driving force for anaesthesiologist Dr Siti Sainira Saidin, who spent 30 days in Gaza as part of MERCY Malaysia's humanitarian mission to help residents in the conflict zone, despite the constant threat of bomb explosions. As the only female volunteer in MERCY Malaysia's Special Care Team 5 (SCT 5), she said the sound of bombs every night never once shook her resolve and the thought of death did not trouble her. 'We were stationed in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and northern Gaza. Almost every night, we heard the sound of bombs exploding, but Alhamdulillah, we were able to carry out our duties according to MERCY Malaysia's standard operating procedures. 'Not once did I think about dying while I was there, because life and death are determined by Allah SWT. As His servant, I simply did my best to complete the 30-day mission,' she said in a press conference at MERCY Malaysia's headquarters, here today. Also present were MERCY Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, Global Operations chief and SCT 5 team leader Shah Fiesal Hussain, and two other volunteers, Mohd Azizul Hakim Danial and Nurfirdaus Ibrahim. Sharing her experience, Dr Siti Sainira said she and three other volunteers were tasked with providing emergency medical care at several major hospitals, including Al-Shifaa Hospital, Al-Nasser Hospital, and Kuwait Specialty Hospital, during the mission which ran from March 27 to April 26. She said she had long followed the developments and hardships faced by people in the conflict zone through media reports, and from then on, she aspired to contribute to humanitarian efforts, a dream she never imagined would come true through the SCT 5 team. 'As a woman, I was deeply moved because the majority of victims in the conflict are women and children. Alhamdulillah, my wish to help them has been fulfilled,' said Dr Siti Sainira, who has served in the medical field for 17 years. Despite facing various challenges throughout the mission, including being away from her family, she said the simulation training with the General Operations Force (GOF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) prior to departure had helped prepare her mentally and ensured her safety on the ground.
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MERCY Malaysia's Fifth Medical Team Returns From Gaza Humanitarian Mission
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- MERCY Malaysia's fifth Specialised Care Team (SCT 5) has returned safely from Gaza after successfully completing a one-month humanitarian mission from March 27 to April 26. The team was deployed under the coordination of the World Health Organization's Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cell (WHO EMTCC), in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. President of MERCY Malaysia, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the mission was part of the organisation's continuous efforts to provide impartial and needs-based humanitarian assistance, especially in conflict zones. 'The return of SCT 5 marks not only the successful conclusion of a vital mission, but also reaffirms our commitment to humanitarian action grounded in humanity and impartiality. 'In Gaza, the scale of need remains staggering. We call on all relevant authorities to facilitate unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and to uphold the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international humanitarian law,' he said during a press conference held at MERCY Malaysia's headquarters here today. Dr Ahmad Faizal said the team provided critical medical care at several severely impacted facilities in Gaza, including the Al-Shifaa Hospital, Al-Nasser Hospital and Kuwait Specialty Hospital. Working alongside local health personnel, they treated hundreds of patients suffering from blast injuries, fractures, burns and infections stemming from overcrowded shelters and poor access to clean water. He added that the mission was carried out in close collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO EMTCC and other local partners, ensuring medical relief was aligned with broader humanitarian priorities and long-term recovery efforts. 'The SCT 5 was initially deployed in early recovery mode, but due to the breakdown of the ceasefire, the mission had to quickly shift into emergency response mode,' said Dr Ahmad Faizal who also voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting that for the past 60 days including the month of Ramadan and Syawal—no aid has been allowed to enter Gaza due to an ongoing blockade.
