"Health" announces resumption of laboratory tests after repairing the central laboratory

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced the resumption of a number of laboratory tests at the central laboratory in the Turkish Friendship Hospital, after repairing devices that had suffered extensive destruction. The restored tests include PKU, N, and TSH tests for early detection of diseases in children, and about 60% of PCR tests for infectious diseases. Tests for blood and cancer patients remain suspended.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Sunday the resumption of a number of laboratory tests at the central laboratory in the Turkish Friendship Hospital, after technical and engineering teams managed to repair the devices and return them to operation. The ministry explained that the laboratory had suffered extensive destruction affecting diagnostic devices, leading to the suspension of many tests. The tests that have resumed include PKU, N, and TSH tests, which are important for early detection of diseases, especially in children, to help reduce the risk of intellectual disability. About 60% of infectious disease tests using PCR have also been restored to support epidemiological surveillance efforts. However, the ministry confirmed that tests necessary for blood and cancer patients remain suspended due to the unavailability of the required devices and laboratory testing materials. Despite the restoration of some services, the needs of the central laboratory remain significant, exacerbating the challenges facing the health sector in Gaza.