MSF performs surgeries, donates supplies in Gaza amid overcrowded facilities
MSF is preparing a medicine and medical consumables donation to hospitals and health facilities in Gaza today.
“Health facilities need this equipment because of the many injured patients,” said Ayman Al-Djaroucha, MSF deputy coordinator in Gaza. “Hospitals are overcrowded with injured people, there is a shortage of drugs and consumables and a shortage of fuel for generators.”
One challenge medical staff face in Gaza at the moment is the lack of a safe option to move patients to health facilities. “Ambulances can’t be used right now because they’re being hit by airstrikes,” said Darwin Diaz, medical coordinator for MSF in Gaza. MSF asks all parties to respect the sanctity of medical facilities, vehicles and personnel.
Teams of local MSF staff have been providing surgical and inpatient care in Al-Awda hospital since yesterday, in the enclave’s north. Our bed capacity there was upgraded to its maximum of 26 beds in preparation for a high influx of expected patients.
“Stable patients are referred to us and we take care of them,” said Jean Pierre, MSF medical activity manager in Gaza. “It’s all been gunshots wounds and injuries from shrapnel, spread at random on the upper and lower limbs.”
Authorities reported over 2,200 injuries and over 300 deaths including 20 children in Gaza at the moment. In Israel, over 600 have died and over 2,000 are reported injured at the moment.