Diabetic foot and vascular patients in Gaza face illness and displacement

A report from Khan Younis documents the suffering of diabetic foot and vascular patients in Gaza, who face compounded difficulties due to displacement, lack of transportation, unsanitary tent conditions, and shortage of medical supplies. The report highlights cases such as Zeinab Shalabi (70 years old), who suffers from a deep wound on her heel and needs daily dressing changes, but transportation difficulties and distance prevent her from regularly attending the center. Hanim al-Najjar (57 years old) needs two hours and three modes of transport to reach the center from her displacement location in Mawasi Khan Younis. Dr. Muhammad Khalid al-Shaer, a vascular surgeon, explains that the center began operating in February to provide free specialized services, but the greatest danger begins after the patient leaves the center, as they need a clean and safe environment that is difficult to provide in tents. He also notes a recurring shortage of supplies such as gauze and compression bandages, and an increase in cases during the war due to living conditions and lack of medication.