Gaza Gets First Field Hospital in Years Amid Ongoing Crisis
In a bid to alleviate the overwhelming healthcare crisis in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry welcomed the arrival of a field hospital, marking the first such instance since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. On Monday, 40 trucks filled with equipment and a contingent of 17 nurses crossed the Rafah border from Egypt into Palestine.
The field hospital hails from Jordan and will be situated in Chan Junis, according to Mohammed Zakut, the Director General of Hospitals in Gaza Strip. The existing facilities in the southern Gaza Strip are grappling with a dire situation. According to Zakut, the daily influx of injured individuals due to airstrikes and artillery fire has been staggering. He also mentioned the possibility of more field hospitals from the UAE and Qatar.
The arrival of the field hospital, courtesy of Jordan, will provide much-needed relief to the existing health facilities, as per the head of medical aid in Gaza, Aed Yaghi. According to Hamas, there are currently over 30,000 injured people in Gaza.
Since 2009, the Jordanian field hospital in northern Gaza has rendered substantial medical services, treating over 86,000 patients and conducting over 394 major and minor surgeries since October 7, 2023. In addition, the International Medical Corps has deployed two field hospitals in Gaza since January 2024, with the second one opening in July 2024 to cater to the critical needs in central Gaza.
However, the healthcare scenario in Gaza remains grim due to the prolonged conflict. Only half of the thirty-six hospitals in Gaza are partially operational, and just 38% of primary healthcare facilities function. The situation is further exacerbated by shortages of fuel, medical supplies, equipment, and specialist staff, coupled with the ongoing blockade and security restrictions impeding aid delivery.
International efforts are focused on enhancing healthcare delivery through mobile health units, patient transfer services, and local governance mechanisms to ensure comprehensive care and rehabilitation services for the population.
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