Gaza Health Warns of Fraud: Medical Referrals Are Completely Free

The Medical Referrals Committee of the Ministry of Health in Gaza warned patients of fraudulent attempts exploiting their need for treatment, stressing that medical referrals are completely free and no fees are charged for their procedures. It clarified that the priority for completing a referral is determined according to the health condition and the doctor's recommendation, and denied the validity of claims circulating on social media about paying sums to expedite them.

The Medical Referrals Committee of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, in a statement issued Thursday, warned patients and their families of fraudulent attempts and exploitation of their need for treatment. The committee emphasized that medical referrals are completely free, and no fees are charged for referral procedures, expediting them, or any related service. The committee clarified that the priority for completing a referral and the speed of its completion are determined according to the health condition and the degree of medical need, based on the treating physician's recommendation. It also noted that one first-degree companion is allowed, and any exceptions are subject to submitting a petition after contacting the toll-free number 103. The committee denied the validity of what is circulated on social media regarding paying sums of money to expedite medical referrals or add companions, describing these claims as part of fraudulent attempts. It called on patients not to deal with any person who requests sums of money or claims the ability to expedite procedures, and to rely exclusively on official channels.