More than 5,000 threatened... Suspension of medical staff transport warns of medical paralysis in Gaza
Mahmoud Hammad, Director General of Administrative Affairs in the Gaza Ministry of Health, warns that the suspension of medical transport services for health personnel threatens the continuity of health services in the sector. The system provides services to more than 5,000 health workers via 99 buses. He stresses the need to provide fuel, spare parts, and maintenance, calling on international organizations to intervene urgently.
Mahmoud Hammad, Director General of Administrative Affairs in the Gaza Ministry of Health, warned that the suspension of medical transport services for health personnel threatens the continuity of health service provision, amid the exceptional circumstances and field and logistical difficulties the sector is witnessing. Hammad explained that the medical transport system currently provides its services to more than 5,000 health workers from various categories and specializations, through about 99 buses distributed across different lines, to ensure workers reach hospitals, health centers, and medical facilities in the governorates of the sector. He affirmed that transport is not merely a means for employees to reach their workplaces, but forms an essential part of the health services continuity system, as the regular arrival of doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and health workers is linked to the continued operation of departments and shifts and the ability of medical facilities to receive patients and provide care. He pointed out that the suspension or significant reduction of the service could affect the regularity of staff attendance, especially those working in facilities far from their places of residence. Hammad stressed the need to maintain the operation of the 99 buses, and to provide fuel, spare parts, tires, batteries, oils, periodic maintenance, and the necessary operational requirements to ensure the continued movement of the fleet. He called on international and UN organizations, humanitarian institutions, and health and humanitarian partners to intervene urgently to secure the requirements for the continuation of transport services.