The World Health Organization (WHO) called for a regular flow of patients and the injured out of Gaza for treatment in Egypt to relieve the pressure on overwhelmed hospitals there.

Richard Peeperkorn, World Health Organization Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said a system needs to be set for daily sustained, orderly, unimpeded, and safe medical evacuations of critically injured and sick patients out of the besieged enclave into Egypt.

‘What we do know is that the health system is on its knees,’ he added.

Speaking from Jerusalem to journalists in Geneva via Zoom, he explained that 47 out of 72 primary healthcare centers were no longer functioning and others were only partially functioning. Close to 75 percent of hospitals (35 to 36) were no longer operational. ‘So there’s clearly not enough support for this endless need,’ he said.

As health needs soar, Peeperkorn said that a lack of fuel, water, food, and medical supplies has made it harder for the hospitals and health facilities stil
l ‘partially operational’ to help them.

He said that around 50 to 60 patients a day need to be transferred to Egypt, “where they will get – and they deserve – the right treatment and care.’

Peeperkorn said that before the conflict erupted, Gazans had access to some 3,500 hospital beds. Today, only an estimated 1,400 are available, although the actual requirement is likely closer to 5,000.

‘WHO is extremely concerned about the spread of diseases as the rainy season and winter arrive. Overcrowding in shelters and the overall lack of water and sanitation across Gaza could increase the risk of transmission,’ he said.

He added that the breaking down of communications had made its contact with its staff on the ground in Gaza ‘very problematic.’

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA – English