Gaza on brink of health system collapse: Al-Bursh reveals shocking statistics

Al-Bursh explained that what’s left of the health system no longer resembles any functioning structure. Destroyed hospitals and unequipped operating rooms illustrate the scale of the collapse, he pointed out.

He described the situation as a “collapsed infrastructure” lacking even the most essential supplies.

Speaking during the “Humanitarian Window from Gaza” segment, Al-Bursh revealed that shortages in essential medications have reached 84%, and emergency drug stock has hit zero for 40% of items for the first time in the history of the Strip. Meanwhile, medical supplies have faced an unprecedented 71% shortage.

He confirmed that medical gauze is unavailable and the remaining IV solutions will only last a few weeks. Hospitals are struggling to provide even primary care. Fuel and communication outages have nearly shut down laboratory operations.

Al-Bursh noted that the Ministry of Health receives only two out of five aid trucks entering Gaza weekly, while the rest are distributed to international organizations. He stated that this quantity “means nothing” compared to the enormous needs.

Cancer medication shortages have hit 71%, and 90% of orthopedic surgery supplies are missing, forcing thousands of wounded individuals to seek treatment abroad due to the lack of stabilizers and basic surgical tools.

Al-Bursh highlighted distressing statistics, most notably that 82% of infants under one year old are suffering from anemia, underscoring the depth of the humanitarian catastrophe and contradicting Israel’s narrative about the nutritional situation.

He reported over 18,000 travel requests for medical treatment abroad, including 7,000 wounded individuals, 5,000 children, cancer patients, and emergency surgical cases, all while the border remains closed, worsening patient conditions.

He warned of Israel’s misleading portrayal of the situation, allowing in consumer goods while barring critical medical equipment, thus deepening the health crisis.

Al-Bursh outlined the Health Ministry’s priorities: securing surgical and emergency medications, which face a 54% shortage, and supplying medical equipment, where shortages reach 71%. He also emphasized the urgent need for field hospitals and spare parts to repair broken machines.

He asserted that medical personnel are capable of reviving the health system once supplies are available and border crossings are reopened, citing their ability to run operating and emergency rooms during the war, even amid electricity outages and extreme shortages.

Regarding recovery, he stressed that reopening the crossings and ensuring the flow of medicine, fuel, and medical devices is critical. Otherwise, death becomes the “easiest option” for patients.

Al-Bursh revealed that 1,000 patients have died while waiting for transfer abroad, despite completing all official procedures, calling this one of the most alarming indicators of Gaza’s health collapse.

He also reported 6,000 amputation cases needing physical and psychological rehabilitation, prosthetics, and wheelchairs, amid an almost total absence of resources. He added that psychological trauma worsens patients’ suffering, and even basic painkillers are unavailable.

Al-Bursh concluded by affirming that Gaza is facing a total health system collapse, and saving it depends on reopening crossings and allowing medical aid to flow at a time when patients are edging closer to death every day.