http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/Art...202193,00.html

Palestinian HIV patient wants Israeli treatment

Since being infected with HIV, young Gaza resident receives multiple treatments at Tel Hashomer hospital; currently unable to enter Israel and receive treatment as symptoms deteriorate
Ali Waked

A Palestinian resident with HIV requires urgent medical treatment at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, but Israeli security sources are preventing his entrance into the country.



"There doesn't need to be a difference between me and other HIV patients in the world who receive treatment and live," he says.



The Committee for the War on AIDS and the Physicians for Human Rights organization claim that in the past month, the man's request to enter Israel has been rejected three times due to security reasons.



The Palestinian, who is in 20s, was infected with HIV after receiving a contaminated blood donation a number of years ago, and has received treatment at the Tel Hashomer hospital for a number of years.



In the past month, his health condition has deteriorated, and it was decided that he must urgently be brought to Israel.



After having his requests to enter Israel repeatedly rejected, and since the man cannot receive the treatment he needs in Egypt, Physicians for Human Rights and the Committee for the War on AIDS have turned to Israel with a request to let the patient into the country.



'In critical danger'




"The patient is in a critical condition and his life is in danger," said the request.



"Therefore he must receive urgent medical treatment in Sheba where the suitable treatment can be given... the medical staff there is familiar with the patient and his condition," the letter said. It added that the right to medical treatment was basic.



The patient himself said: "I haven't done anything and I don't understand why they're preventing me from entering the country. HIV patients who receive good treatment and are monitored can live for many years. I don't understand why they're preventing me from having this opportunity," he said.



The patient added that he does not ask for Israel to cover the treatment, but rather that the PA fund his medical bills.



Professor Zvi Bentwich, a member of Physicians for Human Rights and AIDS expert, told Ynet: "This is an extreme case of a man whose details I won't discuss, but with which I am familiar. He was infected due to hemophilia and treated at Tel Hashomer. Recently his immune system has deteriorated and if he does not receive treatment he could fall victim to the virus which will kill him."



Asked about the case, army sources said that they could discuss the case without knowledge of the man's personal details.