The World Health Organization (WHO) recently carried out a crucial mission to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, marking their first visit to the northern part of the enclave in two weeks. The Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the successful delivery of much-needed medical supplies despite the ongoing intense hostilities in the region.
During this mission, WHO and its partners provided essential support to Al-Ahli Hospital, including 15,000 liters of fuel, 14 hospital beds, medicines, and trauma supplies. These supplies are intended to address the urgent needs of approximately 1,500 individuals who rely on the hospital for medical care.
Tedros highlighted the critical situation at Al-Ahli Hospital, emphasizing that the facility is currently operating beyond its capacity, serving double the number of patients it was designed for. He noted that the hospital lacks essential surgical supplies, making it impossible to perform lifesaving surgeries in the evening due to the shortage of specialized staff.
Despite the delivery of fuel, Al-Ahli Hospital expressed concerns about the limited supply, which is expected to last only 10 days. Additionally, while the hospital received 14 beds from the recent mission, Dr. Fadel Naeem, the Acting Director of the hospital, stated that they require an additional 100 beds to meet the growing demand for medical services.
The situation at Al-Ahli Hospital underscores the urgent need for sustained support and resources to ensure that healthcare facilities in Gaza can continue to provide essential services to the population, especially during times of conflict and crisis.