Fuel Support Restriction Crisis in Health Centers in Gaza
It has been announced that the fuel shipments provided by the World Health Organization to certain health centers in Gaza will be halted starting September 19.
The health system in Gaza, striving to provide services with limited resources, is on the brink of a new crisis as the World Health Organization decided to halt fuel support to certain centers after September 19.
Fuel Support Being Halted
Mohammed Abu Afsh, Director of the Medical Aid Association in the Gaza Strip, announced that the World Health Organization has notified that shipments to certain health centers receiving fuel support will be halted after September 19.
It was stated that if this decision is implemented, the services of approximately seven non-governmental organizations and private health centers could stop or be severely disrupted.
Official Notifications and Concerns
It was noted that official notifications have reached some organizations while others have not yet been informed, raising concerns that the fuel cut might encompass other institutions as well.
It was emphasized that while the decision does not directly cover public hospitals and targets centers affiliated with private and non-governmental organizations, this situation does not diminish the danger.
The Burden on Public Hospitals
Warnings were issued that these centers facing the danger of going out of service alleviate the burden on large hospitals, and their closure would increase the density in public hospitals.
It was reported that large central hospitals in Gaza are operating at only 20 percent of their pre-war capacity under the best conditions.
The Status of Current Hospitals
It was recorded that Al-Shifa Hospital is trying to provide services with limited resources, while Nasser Hospital has undertaken a massive burden following the out-of-service status of the European Hospital.
It was stated that the shortage of medical devices, medicines, consumables, and personnel is putting health services in the region in a difficult position.
Critical Systems in Danger
It was stated that insufficient fuel directly threatens operating rooms and laboratories through generators.
Additionally, it was recorded that the cooling systems where vaccines are preserved will also be negatively affected by the fuel cut.