The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse as medical professionals continue to work under dire conditions, facing overwhelming challenges and limited resources. Staff at facilities such as Al-Shifa Hospital report a constant influx of patients suffering from a range of ailments, exacerbated by the ongoing violence and lack of medical supplies. The situation has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with healthcare workers struggling to provide care without adequate compensation or support.
During a recent shift at Al-Shifa’s emergency ward, a nurse described working a full 24 hours with only three doctors and a handful of nurses on duty. This team represents merely a third of the medical staff available before the conflict intensified. Many healthcare workers have not received formal pay, relying instead on occasional symbolic remuneration from humanitarian organizations. The hospital’s infrastructure is severely compromised, with only three of its 29 departments operational amid the destruction of much of its facilities.
The reality for medical workers extends beyond the hospital walls. Many return to homes that have been bombed and lack basic necessities such as heating, electricity, and running water. For these healthcare professionals, the emotional toll is immense. They navigate a landscape where the number of patients has surged while essential medications and equipment remain scarce.
Gaza’s hospitals are operating at record capacity, with patients lining up for treatments that are often delayed due to limited resources. There are approximately 350,000 individuals suffering from chronic illnesses who cannot access their regular treatments. Furthermore, around 42,000 people require surgeries or long-term rehabilitation, which are not available within the region. The dire lack of medical supplies has led to a situation where even minor equipment malfunctions can halt patient care.
Recent statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2023, at least 411 individuals have been killed and over 1,112 injured due to ongoing attacks. Tragically, nearly 1,100 patients have died while awaiting medical evacuations for treatments they could not receive in Gaza. This situation is exacerbated by the continued blockade of essential medications, including cancer therapies and life-saving treatments for chronic conditions.
The emotional and psychological burden faced by healthcare workers cannot be overstated. Reports indicate that at least 1,722 medical professionals have lost their lives during the conflict, according to Medical Aid for Palestinians. Some have been captured, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. Those who remain are left to grapple with the trauma of their experiences, including treating children who remind them of their own lost loved ones.
One nurse poignantly expressed the emotional toll of the situation, stating, “I carry my grief with me in my pocket, among the instruments and bandages.” Another colleague emphasized the urgency of their work, likening the hospital environment to a battlefield and stating, “We’re on a battlefield, fighting against time and death.”
As the healthcare crisis deepens, professionals in Gaza are calling for urgent support to restore the healthcare sector. They emphasize the necessity for medical supplies, equipment, and personnel to ensure that patients receive the treatment they deserve. The plea is clear: Gaza does not need more statements; it requires immediate action to provide the basic right to healthcare.
The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. The dedication and resilience of healthcare workers shine through, but without external assistance, the future of healthcare in the region remains uncertain. The time for action is now; the lives of countless individuals depend on it.