Health: Warns of worsening conditions for 350,000 chronic disease patients in Gaza

The Ministry of Health in Gaza warned of deteriorating conditions for over 350,000 chronic disease patients due to a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, and the suspension of most primary healthcare centers. It noted that 81% of these centers have stopped operating, with a deficit exceeding half of the essential medicine needs and two-thirds of medical supplies.

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned of worsening health conditions for over 350,000 chronic disease patients amid a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, and the suspension of most primary healthcare centers. The ministry stated that more than 225,000 patients suffer from high blood pressure, while the number of diabetes patients is about 71,000, noting that patient files registered in primary care centers have increased by over 100% compared to the period before the aggression. It added that 81% of primary healthcare centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have stopped operating, coinciding with a severe shortage of blood pressure medications and insulin, and a deficit exceeding half of the essential medicine needs and two-thirds of medical supplies. It warned that the continued shortage of medicines and disruption of health services will lead to a deterioration of patients' health conditions, who require regular medical follow-up and continuous treatment, increasing the likelihood of serious complications that could threaten their lives. The ministry called for the urgent entry of medicines and medical supplies, and the opening of crossings to facilitate the travel of patients whose conditions require treatment outside the Gaza Strip.