WHO calls for sustainable solution to health sector power shortages in Gaza

8 February, 2018, Gaza Strip – Gaza’s health sector was on the verge of collapse due to dwindling fuel supplies until the United Arab Emirates stepped in this week with a US$2 million grant to sustain hospital backup generators for critical health services. The donation will provide enough fuel to keep facilities running for several months.  “The UAE’s timely support will save lives, but a more sustainable solution is required to address the chronic fuel and power shortages in Gaza that leave health facilities consistently on the verge of closure,” says Dr. Gerald Rockenschaub, Head of WHO’s Office for West Bank and Gaza.  Daily power cuts of 12-16 hours currently affect 28 hospitals and 153 primary care facilities in the Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Health has been rationing fuel supplies since January, when UN supplies for backup generators in 14 public hospitals drastically declined.  Between late January and early February 2018, two hospitals were forced to shut down: Durrah Hospital serving a catchment area of 250 000 people, and Gaza Psychiatric Hospital, the only mental health hospital in Gaza.  Beit Hanoun Hospital, a 63-bed hospital located in the northern Gaza, was also partially closed, with the Emergency Department functioning at minimal capacity.  Public hospitals in the Gaza Strip provide life-saving healthcare for 1715 patients every day – including 113 newborns, 100 patients in intensive care units, 702 patients requiring hemodialysis, 20...
Source: WHO EMRO News - Category: Middle East Health Source Type: news