Gaza hospitals face severe shortages of medicines, medical Equipment, putting patients’ lives at risk

GAZA, March 11 (YPA) -Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital spokesperson Dr. Khalil al-Daqran, said on Wednesday that the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip continues to face severe challenges despite the recent ceasefire.

Restrictions on the entry of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment remain in place, he added.

In a press statement, Al-Daqran explained that hospitals are grappling with acute shortages of medical equipment, as well as difficulties in operating the generators that provide critical electricity. Supplies such as fuel and spare parts for generators remain limited, forcing hospitals to rely on smaller backup units after main generators failed.

“Many hospitals, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs, are currently running on small generators. Administrations have had to ration electricity by operating only essential departments and rotating others offline,” he said.

He warned that generator failures pose a serious threat to patients’ lives, particularly in intensive care units, operating rooms, heart and kidney units, and neonatal wards.

Al-Daqran also highlighted shortages in laboratory, radiology, ICU, and surgical equipment. He cautioned that continued restrictions on medical supplies could further exacerbate the health crisis in Gaza.

Regarding patients needing treatment outside the Gaza Strip, he said that more than 22,000 patients require medical transfers, but only a limited number are allowed to exit through border crossings.

He noted that among those needing treatment outside the Gaza Strip are approximately 4,500 children, in addition to a large number of cancer patients and individuals requiring complex surgeries.

Al-Daqran called on international organizations and mediators to intervene urgently to facilitate the entry of medical supplies and the transfer of patients for treatment outside the Gaza Strip.

@E.Y.M