The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, following months of conflict that have devastated medical facilities and resources. Since the ceasefire on October 10, 2023, the situation remains dire, with hospitals like al-Shifa struggling to cope with an overwhelming influx of patients amid severe shortages of essential supplies.
At al-Shifa Hospital, the emergency ward operates with a skeletal staff. Nurses and doctors are working without regular pay, relying on sporadic support from humanitarian organizations. The emergency room, which previously functioned with up to ten medical professionals, now operates with only four to six nurses and three doctors. Despite the challenges, they continue to treat a constant stream of patients suffering from various ailments exacerbated by the ongoing lack of care and resources.
29 departments exist within al-Shifa, but only three are partially operational. The hospital’s infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, with many buildings destroyed or rendered unusable. Medical personnel have reported working in conditions that lack basic necessities, including vital medications and functioning operating rooms.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the ongoing conflict. Israel has continued airstrikes, leading to further casualties. Since the truce began, at least 411 people have been killed and 1,112 injured due to renewed attacks. Furthermore, the blockade hampers the delivery of essential medical supplies, including cancer treatments and critical medications for chronic conditions.
The impact on patients is devastating. There are approximately 350,000 individuals in Gaza living with chronic illnesses, many of whom are unable to access their regular treatments. Additionally, over 16,000 patients urgently require medical evacuation for life-saving procedures. Tragically, nearly 1,100 individuals have died while waiting for the opportunity to receive necessary care outside Gaza.
Healthcare professionals are feeling the strain of this crisis. With reports indicating that at least 1,722 healthcare workers have lost their lives since the beginning of hostilities, the remaining staff face immense pressure to provide care in an environment described as a battlefield.
As one nurse poignantly expressed, “We don’t work in a hospital; we’re on a battlefield, fighting against time and death.” This sentiment resonates deeply among medical workers who are witnessing the consequences of war firsthand. Images of injured children and elderly patients unable to receive critical interventions haunt them daily.
The situation calls for urgent international assistance. Medical teams are appealing for resources to restore Gaza’s healthcare sector, including equipment for operating rooms and replenishment of medical supplies. The healthcare system cannot sustain itself under the current conditions, and a collective effort is necessary to ensure patients receive the care they desperately need.
As medical professionals continue their tireless work amidst overwhelming hardship, they emphasize the need for more than just statements of support. They require concrete actions that will allow them to provide essential treatment to the people of Gaza.
In a plea for help, healthcare workers are advocating for a restoration of their capabilities to save lives. The message is clear: Gaza’s healthcare system needs immediate support to recover from the devastation, and the lives of countless individuals depend on it.
The voices of those working on the frontlines in Gaza are a powerful reminder of the human impact of conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. The healthcare crisis must be addressed to prevent further loss of life and suffering in the region.
