Health care in Gaza is one of the most important issues of concern to the international community, as the population faces multiple challenges due to the siege and the ongoing wars against it, especially the 7 October war, as the war resulted in the destruction of medical facilities such as hospitals and health centers, which led to the collapse of the health sector in Gaza.
Healthcare Concept
Health care is a set of services that aims to meet the needs of patients and provide therapeutic and even preventive care to the patient. The care includes providing medical treatment, follow-up of the patient's condition, in addition to the provision of medicines, and tests, as well as providing psychological support to patients, and also includes disease prevention through awareness, vaccinations, and periodic examination.
The health sector includes all public and private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, in addition to human resources of doctors, nurses, medical device engineers and all those working in this field.
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Health care challenges facing Gaza
As a result, 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are not fully functional, and others are still trying to survive the partial destruction, with a total capacity of 1,501 beds, including maternity beds and intensive care units.
The main challenges facing the health sector in Gaza:
1. Lack of medicines and medical supplies
Gaza’s health sector suffers from a severe shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies, affecting the ability of remaining hospitals to provide proper treatment to patients.
2. Lack of specialized medical personnel
The war resulted in the death of many doctors and nurses, in addition to the arrest of others, which affected the health sector significantly, as the large shortage of medical staff causes pressure on the available cadres and the inability to treat all patients.
3. Deterioration of sanitation infrastructure
Many hospitals and health centers in Gaza are suffering a deterioration in their infrastructure as a result of being targeted by bombing, and the depletion of fuel available to hospital generators has caused the deterioration of the health sector in Gaza.
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The importance of improving health care and supporting the health sector in Gaza
Improving health care and health sector support in Gaza is critical for several reasons, especially given the significant challenges facing the health sector there. Here are some points that highlight the importance of this:
Improving health care conditions
The Gaza Strip is under health pressure due to severe shortages of medical equipment, medicines, and specialized health services. The ongoing war and economic blockade further complicate the health situation, making health support necessary to improve medical services.
Dealing with increased disease and injury rates
The security situation in Gaza exposes the population to multiple injuries and diseases, whether as a result of military aggression or lack of basic health care. Supporting the health sector helps to address these emergencies and reduce the spread of diseases.
Emergency and Disaster Response
Supporting the health system in Gaza contributes to its ability to respond to natural disasters or wars and sudden health threats. It can also play a major role in dealing with emerging epidemics and diseases.
Reduce mortality and chronic diseases
Investing in improved health care can reduce mortality rates and improve individual health through early detection of chronic diseases and appropriate patient care.
Strengthening the capacity of the health sector to face future crises
Supporting the health sector contributes to improving health infrastructure such as hospitals and medical centers, which is vital for coping with future crises.
Improving economic conditions
When health care is good, the general condition of the population improves, enhancing their ability to work and produce, which positively affects the local economy.
