Director of Al Shifa Hospital We have lost half of the kidney patients in Gaza and deaths continue daily

Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, stated that the cessation of bombing has not led to any improvement in the health situation. He emphasized that hospitals are facing a critical phase with a surge in patient numbers, a severe shortage of medications, and continued daily deaths.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Abu Salmiya explained that while the number of injuries resulting from the bombing has decreased, there has been a significant increase in illnesses due to the spread of a severe influenza virus affecting children under one year old, the elderly, and pregnant women. This has placed unprecedented pressure on emergency departments.

He indicated that hospitals are currently operating at over 150% of their capacity, amidst a near-total lack of medications and medical supplies. He described the current situation as one of the worst health crises the Gaza Strip has experienced since the start of the war.

He further stated that more than 55% of essential medications and 70% of medical supplies are unavailable, confirming that some medical specialties are experiencing shortages exceeding 100%, which is hindering the provision of necessary care, even for emergency cases.

The director of Al-Shifa Hospital revealed that approximately 50% of kidney dialysis patients are unavailable, with daily deaths continuing due to the absence of over 70% of their medications. He noted that cancer patients are facing a similar shortage that threatens their lives.

He added that tens of thousands of scheduled surgeries have been halted due to the prevention of essential medical supplies from entering the hospital, particularly for orthopedic, thoracic, and vascular surgeries. He pointed out that the aid that does enter covers only a limited portion of the needs.

Regarding medical transfers, he explained that more than 20,000 patients completed the procedures for traveling