WHO: Slight improvement in health care in Gaza despite shortages of medical supplies and equipment

GAZA, Dec. 13 (YPA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Gaza is witnessing a slight improvement in the availability of health care services; however, the health sector continues to suffer from severe deterioration and persistent shortages of medical supplies and equipment, while the winter season increases the risks of diseases and infections.

This was stated by Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, who spoke from Gaza to journalists in Geneva during his final press briefing as the WHO Representative in the occupied Palestinian territory.

He explained that 50% of Gaza’s hospitals are partially operational, noting that access to hospitals remains unavailable for approximately 37,000 people in northern Gaza.

He added that the Indonesian Hospital and Al-Awda Hospital are currently located outside the “ceasefire line,” while Martyr Kamal Adwan Hospital lies “within the coordination zone.”

Dr. Peeperkorn said the WHO attempted to establish a primary health care center at Kamal Adwan Hospital, “but unfortunately, we were prevented from starting this work.” Instead, the organization identified a nearby site in Beit Lahia, where services are expected to become operational soon.

In Gaza City, he noted that Al-Shifa Hospital has partially resumed operations as a tertiary health care facility, with several services functioning.

He added that the WHO supported the rehabilitation of the hospital’s water desalination plant, enabling dialysis services to operate at full capacity.

@E.Y.M