Health system collapsing in Gaza, hospitals closing one after another
As the health system collapses in Gaza due to the deep crisis caused by the blockade and supply restrictions, numerous hospitals have closed, and epidemic diseases and malnutrition have reached dangerous proportions.
While health institutions in the Gaza Strip have become unable to provide services due to Israel preventing the entry of fuel, medicine, and medical supplies, chronic malnutrition and preventable diseases are spreading rapidly.
Deep collapse in the health system
Bassam Zaqout, Director of Medical Aid in the Gaza Strip, announced that the shortage of fuel, medicine, and medical supplies has brought the health system to a standstill.
While ambulances and mobile clinics have lost their functionality due to shortages of fuel, generator oil, and spare parts, health centers have restricted their working hours.
Medicine and diagnostic equipment crisis
With cold chain systems and freezers being out of service, preserving medications has become impossible.
It was reported that Israel has not allowed the shipment of medicines and the entry of diagnostic and laboratory materials for weeks.
Closed hospitals and thousands of victims
Wafa Hospital suspended its outpatient clinic, surgery, and rehabilitation services due to a lack of fuel and spare parts.
The Kuwait Specialized Hospital in Khan Younis also completely ceased its operations because there was no fuel left, leaving at least 3,000 patients without treatment.
Malnutrition and rising diseases
Poor housing conditions trigger respiratory diseases, while approximately 300,000 new tents are urgently needed.
Routine examinations reveal that chronic malnutrition, anemia, low hemoglobin levels, and immune and skin diseases are becoming widespread.
Data from international institutions
The medicine shortage in Gaza has reached 50 percent, the medical consumables shortage 58 percent, and the deficiency of laboratory materials 85 percent.
According to ministry data, only 19 out of 38 hospitals in the region are able to provide services.