Gaza More than 350 000 patients with chronic diseases face a severe shortage of medicines

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned of the deteriorating health conditions of more than 350,000 patients with chronic diseases, due to a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, and the declining capacity of primary healthcare centers to provide services.

The Ministry explained that more than 225,000 patients suffer from hypertension, while the number of those with diabetes is approximately 71,000, amidst a critical shortage of essential medications, particularly blood pressure medications and insulin.

It noted that the number of patients registered at primary healthcare centers has increased by more than 100% compared to the period before the offensive, while 81% of primary healthcare centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have ceased operations.

The Ministry indicated that the shortage of essential medicines exceeds half of the required quantities, while the shortage of medical supplies reaches approximately two-thirds, limiting the ability of medical staff to monitor patients and provide them with the necessary treatment.

The Ministry of Health warned that the continued shortage of medicines and disruption of health services threaten to increase health complications and deaths among patients with chronic diseases who require regular treatment and continuous medical follow-up.

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, warning of the repercussions of the ongoing crisis on the lives of thousands of patients.