According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the northern part of Gaza is currently facing a challenge as there are no functional hospitals due, to fuel shortages, inadequate staffing and limited supplies. Out of the 36 health facilities in Gaza only nine are partially operational. They are all located in the region.
Richard Peeperkorn, WHOs representative in Gaza expressed concern about the situation during a video conference from Jerusalem. He mentioned that Al Ahli Hospital was the hospital still providing treatment for existing patients but unable to admit new ones. Peeperkorn described it as a shadow of its self resembling more of a hospice with limited resources. Currently around ten junior doctors and nurses are doing their best to offer aid, pain management and wound care despite having limited resources.
Peeperkorn highlighted that until recently Al Ahli Hospital served as the facility for procedures in northern Gaza. However, due to numbers of patients requiring emergency care and various challenges such as fuel and power shortages along with medical supplies and healthcare professionals including surgeons and specialists. There are no longer operating theaters available.
The critical situation in Gaza underscores a need, for immediate attention and support to restore these vital healthcare facilities.
“The victims of attacks were laid out in the hospitals courtyard as they couldn’t receive proper and respectful burials ” he explained.
Apart, from Al Ahli Hospital there are three partially operational healthcare facilities in northern Gaza; Al Shifa, Al Awda and Al Sahaba hospitals. These facilities are currently providing shelter to thousands of displaced individuals ” Peeperkorn mentioned.
Several patients at Al Ahli Hospital have been waiting for surgeries for weeks or face the risk of operative infections due to a shortage of antibiotics and other essential medications ” he added.
“All these patients are immobile and urgently need to be transferred in order to have a chance at survival ” he emphasized, echoing the WHOs plea, for a ceasefire.
“We need it immediately to bolster and replenish the remaining healthcare facilities provide services to thousands of injured individuals and those requiring care but most importantly, to put an end to the loss of lives.”