Gaza: Critical Medicine Shortages Hamper Cancer, Heart & Diabetes Treatment – OCHA Report
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to severely impact access to essential medical care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. According to reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), treatment for these and other noncommunicable diseases is being significantly hampered by critical shortages of medicines and laboratory supplies.
The situation, as of , is particularly dire for cancer patients. “We are dying. Every day, between two and three patients die inside this hospital,” stated Munther Abu Foul, a cancer patient at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by those seeking care. Approximately 11,000 patients in Gaza are currently deprived of specialized or diagnostic cancer treatment, and around 4,000 patients awaiting medical referrals outside the Strip have been waiting for more than two years to travel.
These shortages aren’t isolated to oncology. OCHA reports that treatment for cardiovascular disease and diabetes is also suffering due to the lack of essential medications. While emergency dialysis supplies and additional medications for diabetes and hypertension were distributed recently after a period of disruption, the need remains substantial. Two new noncommunicable disease screening clinics have opened in northern Gaza, but further expansion is crucial to meet the growing demand.
The challenges extend beyond simply acquiring medications. The broader healthcare infrastructure in Gaza has been severely damaged, with many health facilities shut down or operating at drastically reduced capacity. Patients are often crowded into hallways and shared rooms, lacking basic necessities and facing a severe shortage of essential care. The situation is compounded by the exhaustion and, in some cases, fainting episodes experienced by medical teams due to a lack of food and resources.
Water and sanitation infrastructure is also collapsing, posing a significant threat to public health. The Mekorot water supply pipeline, which provides water from Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, has been completely shut down since , due to undetected leaks. While humanitarian partners have increased water tanker deliveries, the disruption underscores the fragility of essential services.
most sewage pumping stations in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during recent conflicts. Efforts are underway to restore these facilities to prevent sewage overflows, contamination of drinking water, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Partners are currently assessing the damage to the ‘Abu Ubaida’ sewage pumping station in Beit Lahia to determine repair needs.
The humanitarian situation is further complicated by ongoing restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on . OCHA emphasizes that a significantly larger amount of life-saving assistance could reach the population if these restrictions were lifted. The limited reopening of the Rafah crossing has allowed for some evacuations of patients, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), but these evacuations fall far short of the actual need.
The impact on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, is particularly concerning. An estimated 55,000 pregnant women in Gaza face growing health risks, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and undernourished newborns. The critical shortage of fuel threatens to shut down essential services, including critical care units vital for births and medical emergencies, with 80 percent of these units at risk.
The situation in Gaza is characterized by widespread displacement, with over 680,000 people newly displaced since . Less than 18 percent of Gaza remains outside of Israeli-militarized zones or displacement orders, further limiting access to healthcare and essential resources. The ongoing bombardment and ground operations continue to drive additional waves of displacement, particularly from Gaza City.
While humanitarian organizations continue to provide assistance, including fresh bread, hot meals, and digital cash assistance to displaced families, the scale of the crisis demands a more comprehensive and sustained response. The severe shortages of medicines, coupled with the collapse of infrastructure and ongoing restrictions, represent a critical threat to the health and well-being of the population in Gaza.
The long-term consequences of this crisis are likely to be significant, with lasting impacts on the health and development of the region. Addressing the immediate needs of patients with chronic conditions, restoring essential healthcare services, and ensuring unimpeded access to humanitarian aid are crucial steps towards mitigating the devastating effects of this ongoing crisis.