The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has partnered with Salam Charity to begin fundraising for the 'Medicines to Gaza' initiative.
Following the launch of the initiative earlier this year, pharmacies can display posters asking members of the public to donate towards the cost of medicines in Gaza.
Administered by the Salam Charity, donations from the UK will be 'pooled with those from other countries and used to purchase the required medicines centrally from the most appropriate suppliers and to deliver them safely and directly to where they are needed to support the casualties of Gaza', according to the campaign website.
Healthcare professionals working for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Gaza have shared lists of which medicines are needed, it said.
The campaign website explains: 'As the situation develops and if that critical need recedes, your donations will then be used to support the wider medicines-related needs of the Gaza refugees.
'Additionally, when appropriate, pharmacists who are already volunteering from across the world will be given specific training and sent to help in hospitals and refugee centres being established to continue supporting the humanitarian effort'.
A PDA spokesperson told The Pharmacist that the campaign was asking for financial donations rather than contributions of medicines themselves.
A spokesperson from the PDA humanitarian team said Salam Charity 'already has extensive experience in helping the Palestinian people with food parcels and other essential supplies, making them credible and reputable partners'.
'As pharmacists, providing medicines to those in need, it is in our nature to help those less fortunate than ourselves and it is a great honour to be able to further develop our humanitarian activities,' they added.
And a representative of the Salam Charity said it was 'proud to partner with the PDA to provide much-needed medicines to Gaza'.
Earlier this year, Dr Amjed Dawahidy, a representative of the Union of Palestinian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (UPPM) in Gaza, told The Pharmacist that following border closures, there was 'nothing in pharmacies... no analgesic, no anti-diabetic medication, no anti-hypertension, no antibiotics'.
And Ouf Awadallah, UPPM chief executive confirmed that medicine was 'completely unavailable' in the Gaza strip.
Mr Awadallah added that providing aid through local partners was 'absolutely crucial', as it would support local business and ensure a safe passage for the aid to reach Gaza.
UPPM representatives had previously told The Pharmacist that clinicians in Gaza were unable to supply essential common medications. They said this was exacerbating loss of life among older people and those who are chronically ill.
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