The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse as hospitals struggle to cope with overwhelming demand and severe shortages. Al-Shifa Hospital, a key medical facility, has seen a drastic reduction in medical staff and resources. Since the conflict intensified, the hospital’s emergency ward operates with a fraction of its former capacity, staffed by a small number of nurses and doctors. Those who continue to work often do so without pay, relying on the support of external organizations for minimal compensation.
The situation is dire. Al-Shifa Hospital has only three out of its 29 departments partially operational. Many buildings within the medical complex have been destroyed or rendered unusable. Medical professionals face a relentless influx of patients, ranging from those suffering heart attacks to individuals with chronic diseases exacerbated by the ongoing violence. The lack of essential medications and medical equipment further complicates their ability to provide care.
Unprecedented Strain on Medical Staff
Healthcare workers in Gaza are enduring immense pressure. With 350,000 individuals suffering from chronic illnesses unable to receive routine treatments, the burden on medical staff has intensified. Additionally, approximately 42,000 individuals with life-altering injuries require multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation, which remain inaccessible in the region.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that over 16,000 patients require immediate medical evacuation. Tragically, nearly 1,100 have died while awaiting permission to leave Gaza for treatment. As hospitals reach record occupancy levels, medical teams are forced to operate in conditions that lack essential supplies, functioning operating rooms, and even basic necessities like beds.
According to a report by Medical Aid for Palestinians, at least 1,722 healthcare workers have lost their lives during the conflict. Many of those remaining on the ground are physically and emotionally drained, yet they continue to serve despite the overwhelming challenges. One nurse expressed the emotional toll of their work, stating, “I carry my grief with me in my pocket, among the instruments and bandages. Sometimes I treat a child who looks like my own son, and I have to hide my tears.”
Call for Immediate Support
The ongoing conflict has led to a tragic cycle where medical professionals are not only caregivers but also witnesses to profound suffering. The lack of adequate resources is compounded by continued attacks, which have resulted in at least 411 deaths and over 1,112 injuries since the truce began on October 10, 2023. The blockade on essential medical supplies, including cancer medications and emergency care solutions, exacerbates the crisis further.
Healthcare workers in Gaza need urgent assistance to restore the healthcare system. They call for the re-equipping of operating rooms, replenishment of medical supplies, and an increase in personnel. As one healthcare worker poignantly noted, “We don’t work in a hospital; we’re on a battlefield, fighting against time and death.”
Despite the exhaustion and despair, the dedication of medical staff remains unwavering. Their plea for help is not just about restoring a healthcare system; it is about saving lives. The people of Gaza deserve access to medical care, and the international community must respond to this urgent call for action. The healthcare sector in Gaza is not just a local issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and support.
