Palestinians have relied on referrals to hospitals abroad to seek healthcare for over 70 years, and the Palestinian health system has relied on such outside medical referrals of patients whose care is not available locally since its establishment in the 1990s. The current genocide in Gaza has caused the collapse of the health system resulting in a severe shortage of health services, and a complete lack in some specialized and advanced services. Tens of thousands of people have sustained very complex injuries, requiring care that is not available locally in Palestine. Therefore, it is anticipated that the Palestinian health system will continue to rely heavily on outside medical referrals in the foreseeable future. My PhD explores the health and social impacts of these referral on patients and their families through qualitative work with patients, their carer companions, and healthcare workers. It also explores how the referral system can better serve patients through these interviews.
