The largest hospital in eastern Rafah, Abu Yousef Al Najjar, has been forced to relocate to a makeshift facility in the central part of the city due to the ongoing Israeli offensive in the region. Dr. Ibrahim Abu Nasser explained that the new facility is operating with limited resources, including less equipment, water, and electricity. This has posed challenges in providing comprehensive medical care, with the absence of ICU units, orthopedic care, and specialized treatments for chest problems.
Furthermore, the exodus of qualified doctors from the city, following Israeli army directives to evacuate, has left the medical staff at the makeshift hospital with limited expertise. While efforts are being made to manage patient care under these difficult circumstances, the situation remains precarious.
Amid the escalating tensions, the Al Kuwaiti hospital in central Rafah has also started expanding its facilities to accommodate more patients. With the closure of Abu Yousef Al Najjar hospital, Al Kuwaiti and the European hospital are now the only remaining medical facilities in Rafah. However, according to the World Health Organization, they are only operating partially, further straining the healthcare system in the region.
Al Kuwaiti hospital director Suhaib Al Hams highlighted the lack of infrastructure and medical resources in Rafah, emphasizing the critical shortage of medical specialties, intensive care units, and diagnostic equipment like CT scans. He mentioned the presence of field hospitals in western regions but noted the challenges in accessing them, leading to a dire situation where patients and the injured are suffering without adequate medical attention.
The relocation of the largest hospital in eastern Rafah underscores the urgent need for sustained international support and humanitarian aid to address the escalating healthcare crisis in the region.
