While Gaza faces a severe shortage of medical equipment and medication even in “non-war” days, the endless military rounds exacerbate the crisis further. Following Israel’s latest military assault, the health system in Gaza has been left with a critical shortage of drugs and medical supplies.
The delegation of 19 health professionals examined 526 patients, performed 36 surgeries, trained 54 health professionals on mental health care, and transferred USD 100,000 worth of medical equipment and medication to the Gazan Health Ministry and local hospitals.
Medical days in Gaza and Deir al Balah
During the medical day held at Gaza’s Hadara Center for Primary Care and Physiotherapy, 178 patients were examined by orthopedic and internal medicine specialists. An additional medical day was held in the city of Deir al Balah in the Southern Gaza Strip in cooperation with local women’s organizations, during which 246 patients were examined, mainly patients suffering from diabetic, orthopedic, and pediatric medical conditions.
Surgeries and medical checks at Khan Yunis’ European Gaza Hospital and Nasser Hospital
82 patients were examined, and 27 operations were carried out, including 20 eye surgeries, three spinal surgeries, and four vascular surgeries. In addition, nine knee and joint operations were performed at Nasser Hospital. After completing all medical procedures, the equipment used for the surgeries, previously unavailable locally, was donated to the hospital.
Donation of medical equipment and medication
PHRI transferred USD 100,000 worth of donated medical resources, including advanced technologies for corneal transplants and eye surgeries, as well as an ophthalmic laser. In addition, the delegation brought several life-saving drugs that the Palestinian Ministry of Health did not have in stock.
Continued mental health training
Over the weekend, we continued our mental health training project in collaboration with the European Union and the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme. This was the current cohort’s final session before participants took their exams. Additional courses on various new topics are expected to begin soon, and curriculums are already being developed with local mental health services.
During the concluding session, participants also discussed the latest military onslaught and their role as psychotherapists within this context. They shared their experiences from the war, personal fears, concerns about leaving their families at home while going to work, the challenge of caring for patients while experiencing similar traumas, and the strength they gain from helping others.
