Gaza doctors face tough decisions as patients face long waits for diagnoses
Summary
Doctors in Gaza face severe shortages of medical supplies and damaged equipment due to ongoing conflict and a blockade. This has caused long waits for important tests and forced hospitals to limit testing to the most critical patients, affecting treatment decisions.Key Facts
- Gaza’s medical labs lack essential materials like blood collection tubes and chemicals for over 60% of tests.
- Many medical devices, including blood gas testers, sterilization equipment, refrigerators, and imaging machines, are broken or out of service.
- Testing shortages are particularly dangerous for patients with kidney disease, cancer, heart problems, and those in intensive care.
- Only 5 of 18 CT scanners and no MRI machines are working, limiting diagnostic options.
- Doctors sometimes send patients to private labs if they can pay, but many rely on incomplete clinical exams instead.
- Hospitals prioritize testing based on urgency, often postponing less critical cases.
- Medical staff are coordinating with charities and aid groups to improve healthcare access.
- Gaza’s health ministry warns that labs and blood banks risk closing soon if shortages continue.
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