Tubas: In a dire assessment of the health infrastructure in Gaza, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that only half of the hospitals and less than half of the primary health-care centers in the region are currently operating at partial capacity. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO's Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, highlighted these challenges during a briefing from Gaza, noting significant limitations in medical equipment and essential supplies.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Dr. Peeperkorn cited the situation at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which, despite being partially functional, lacks critical equipment such as MRI machines and has just two CT scanners available for a population exceeding two million. The shortage extends to essential medicines for severe conditions like heart disease and kidney issues, with the approval process for medical supplies into Gaza described as slow and complex.
The WHO also faces hurdles in importing laboratory reagents and critical equipment components, often denied entry due to their classification as 'dual use'. Dr. Peeperkorn stressed the need for expedited approval to address urgent medical needs, especially in the wake of Storm Byron, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Thousands are displaced, with inadequate shelter leading to fatalities from adverse weather conditions, including reports of hypothermia-related deaths among young children.
Winter conditions pose further health risks, with an anticipated rise in acute respiratory infections and other diseases due to poor water and sanitation. The WHO is actively working to support newborns and mothers in hospitals, providing necessary care items to protect vulnerable infants during the harsh winter months.
Ministry of Health records indicate a grim reality, with over 1,000 patients dying while awaiting medical evacuation between July 2024 and November 2025. This number is expected to be underreported. The WHO has called for increased international support to facilitate medical evacuations and restore pathways to the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Dr. Peeperkorn expressed deep concern for children under five, particularly vulnerable to infections and diseases due to inadequate shelter. He acknowledged the resilience of Gaza's health system and its workers, who continue to provide care despite severe material and human costs. Since March 2021, he has witnessed the health staff's dedication and ingenuity in overcoming these challenges, even as the crisis persists.