Careful, Direct and Human

Doctors in Need Foundation supports healthcare professionals in Gaza so that they can continue carrying out their medical work under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

We combine direct financial support with careful verification, periodic evaluation, personal guidance and transparent financial administration. In this way, we aim to contribute to the continuity of local healthcare while handling the trust of our donors responsibly.

Our support is based on demonstrated need, professional involvement, transparency and the financial resources available to the foundation.

Support our Healthcare professionals 

Selection and Verification

Healthcare professionals are not automatically admitted to the support programme, nor are they admitted solely on the basis of a personal recommendation. Each application is assessed individually.

Depending on the circumstances, the verification process may include:

• verification of identity and contact details;
• verification of diplomas, education and professional background;
• information about current medical activities;
• employment contracts or other supporting documents, where available;
• contact with local and international medical networks;
• recommendations and independent verification by other healthcare professionals;
• assessment of the personal, social and financial situation;
• review of bank accounts, income and any support received from other sources;
• additional interviews and documents where necessary.

Due to the circumstances in Gaza, it is not always possible to carry out every verification in the same way. We therefore use a combination of formal documents, professional networks, direct contact and proportionate checks.

The safety and privacy of the healthcare professionals involved are central throughout this process.

No Automatic Admission

A recommendation from an existing participant, volunteer, buddy, family member or acquaintance does not automatically create an entitlement to support.

Decisions are based on:

• professional involvement in healthcare;
• demonstrated need;
• family circumstances and responsibilities;
• income and other forms of support;
• reliability and cooperation with the verification process;
• the financial resources available to the foundation;
• a balanced and fair distribution of the available support.

How Financial Support Is Provided

Financial support is generally provided periodically through recognised banks and financial institutions. Wherever possible, the amount is transferred directly to a verified account belonging to the healthcare professional.

The foundation records, among other things:

• who receives support;
• the amount paid;
• the date and method of payment;
• the duration of the support;
• confirmation that the payment has been received;
• relevant changes in income or personal circumstances.

Recipients are responsible for reporting any payment problems promptly and for confirming receipt of the funds.

Not a Salary or Permanent Entitlement 

The support provided is humanitarian assistance. It does not constitute an employment contract, a guaranteed salary or an unlimited financial entitlement.

The amount and duration of the support are reviewed periodically. Depending on the circumstances, support may:

• be continued;
• be increased;
• be reduced;
• be temporarily suspended;
• be ended.

A change may be necessary, for example, when a participant’s financial situation changes, new sources of income arise, required information is not provided on time, professional activities change or the level of available donations decreases.

The objective is to provide fair support based on need. This means that participants do not necessarily all receive the same amount.

Monitoring and Periodic Evaluation

Verification does not take place only at the start of the support period. Throughout the programme, the foundation continues to evaluate the participant’s circumstances periodically.

Participants are asked to provide updated relevant information, including:

• medical activities;
• employment and income situation;
• bank accounts and other financial arrangements;
• support from other organisations or fundraising campaigns;
• housing and family circumstances;
• significant changes that may affect the level of need.

In addition, the management, relevant volunteers and buddies maintain regular contact with the healthcare professionals.

Updates about professional activities may be supported by documents, photographs or video material. Such materials are published only with appropriate consent and with due regard for safety, dignity and privacy.

Careful Handling of Personal Data

Financial information, bank statements, contracts, medical information and personal circumstances are confidential.

This information is shared only with individuals who require it for their governance, administrative or legal responsibilities. It is not made public and is not shared with buddies or donors unless there is a valid legal basis and appropriate consent.

The Buddy System

An important part of Doctors in Need is its personal buddy system.

A buddy is a volunteer in the Netherlands who maintains personal contact with a healthcare professional in Gaza over an extended period. This contact provides human connection in circumstances in which many healthcare professionals are confronted daily with loss, uncertainty, excessive workloads and traumatic events.

A buddy may provide support by:

• maintaining regular contact;
• listening and offering human closeness;
• showing involvement in personal and professional developments;
• paying attention to mental and emotional strain;
• passing on relevant concerns to the coordination team, with consent and where necessary;
• strengthening the connection between Gaza and the Netherlands.

What a Buddy Does Not Decide

A buddy does not make decisions regarding:

• admission to the programme;
• the amount of financial support;
• payments
• extension or termination of support;
• financial checks;
• due diligence;
• governance or legal measures.

These responsibilities rest with the management and, where necessary, the board.

The termination or adjustment of financial support does not automatically mean that personal contact must end. A buddy relationship may continue when both individuals wish to maintain it and when this is consistent with the programme’s arrangements.

Would You Like to Learn More About the Buddy System? Contact – Doctors in Need

Governance and Responsibilities

Doctors in Need Foundation is registered in the Netherlands as a foundation and has ANBI status. werkt met een duidelijke scheiding tussen toezicht, dagelijks bestuur en externe vertegenwoordiging.

The Board

The board is responsible for oversight, policy, financial control, approval of major decisions and safeguarding the foundation’s objectives.

The Management

The general director is responsible for the day-to-day management, implementation of policy, organisation of support, financial administration, contact with healthcare professionals and reporting to the board.

The Ambassador and Strategic Adviser

The ambassador contributes to external representation, public visibility, fundraising and strategic advice. The ambassador does not have independent decision-making authority regarding financial support unless this has been expressly determined otherwise.

This division of roles supports professional decision-making, internal control and transparent accountability.

Documents and Accountability

Doctors in Need Foundation is registered in the Netherlands as a foundation and has ANBI status. is in Nederland geregistreerd als stichting en heeft de ANBI-status.

• Chamber of Commerce number: 98900765

• RSIN: 868693510

We publish relevant policy and accountability documents so that donors, funds, partners and other interested parties can gain insight into our objectives and organisational structure.

Download Beleidsplan 2026