Gaza:Three years of war have severely affected Gaza's health system, leaving hospitals damaged or partially operational, with significant shortages in medicines and medical supplies. The healthcare infrastructure is overwhelmed, with thousands of patients waiting for evacuation to receive treatment abroad.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the ongoing crisis has placed immense pressure on patients dealing with war injuries, cancer, kidney failure, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Pregnant women and children face increasing health risks as medical and humanitarian services deteriorate.
Dr. Ahmad al-Farra, director of Al-Tahrir Hospital at Nasser Medical Complex, reports that only 22 out of the 38 hospitals from before the war are still functional. The bed capacity has decreased from approximately 3,950 to 2,637, and 62% of diagnostic imaging equipment is not operational. The number of doctors has also reduced by 34.6% to around 1,363.
Medicine shortages are critical, with 44% of essential life-saving medicines completely out of stock. There are shortages affecting anesthesia, insulin, intravenous fluids, chemotherapy drugs, and other medical supplies. Critical services such as radiotherapy and open-heart surgery have been suspended.
Medical evacuation is a major concern, as 2,027 patients have died while waiting for approval to travel. Approximately 21,000 patients, including 5,803 children and about 2,800 cancer patients, still require evacuation. Cancer patients face shortages of diagnostic equipment and treatments, while around 700 kidney patients need dialysis three times a week amid supply shortages. Neonatal care is also impacted, with incubator numbers reduced from 162 to 122.
The World Health Organization states that no hospital in Gaza is operating at full capacity. About 12,400 patients have been evacuated for treatment abroad since October 2023, but many more require specialized care. The Palestinian Red Crescent highlights that damaged facilities, medicine shortages, and increasing humanitarian needs continue to strain the health sector.
Health officials urge the opening of crossings, the unrestricted entry of medicines and medical supplies, expanded medical evacuations, the entry of specialized medical teams, and the rehabilitation of damaged hospitals and health facilities. After three years of conflict, Gaza's health system risks losing its capacity to provide essential care for patients who cannot afford to wait.