Rebuilding Gaza’s decimated health system ‘most efficient’ way to treat patients: WHO

Key Concepts

• Medical Evacuation: The process of transporting patients from Gaza to other medical facilities, primarily in Egypt, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, UAE, Turkey, and European countries.
• Referral Pathways: Established routes for patients to access medical care, including those to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and direct evacuations.
• Health System Reconstruction: The urgent need to rebuild Gaza’s damaged and destroyed healthcare infrastructure.
• Security Clearances: Approvals required from Israeli authorities for the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza.
• Humanitarian Space: The necessary conditions for the safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid and medical services.
• Limb Reconstruction: Specialized medical procedures required for a significant number of Gazan citizens injured during the conflict.
• AutoPlastic Equipment: Specialized surgical equipment needed for limb reconstruction procedures.

The Situation in Gaza: A WHO Perspective – Tarak Yasharovich Interview

Introduction & Disappointment Regarding Rafah Crossing

Tarak Yasharovich, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed hope for an increase in the number of people allowed to move through the Rafah crossing, acknowledging the disappointment voiced by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) regarding current limitations. However, he emphasized that Rafah is not the sole solution. The WHO prioritizes the reopening of all crossings, particularly those leading to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where existing medical facilities are equipped to receive patients. Currently, over 18,500 people are awaiting medical care outside of Gaza.

Commitment from Israeli Authorities & International Support

Yasharovich stated that the WHO has consistently called for the opening of all crossings since the beginning of the conflict. Securing this requires both security clearances from Israeli authorities and commitments from countries willing to accept Gazan patients. To date, over 10,000 people have been evacuated during the war, with the majority going to Egypt, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and some European nations. He stressed the need for continued international cooperation in accepting patients.

Prioritizing Health System Reconstruction

A central argument presented by Yasharovich is the critical need to rebuild Gaza’s health system. He asserted that reliance on evacuations should be reduced in favor of providing healthcare services within Gaza, mirroring the pre-war situation. He stated, “what is really should be focused now is to rebuild health system inside Gaza. So we don't rely so much on evacuations, but we try to have those services that are needed inside Gaza as we had them before the war.” This is seen as a long-term solution to address the healthcare crisis.

Medical Supplies & Equipment – Obstacles & Specific Needs

While medical supplies have been delivered through available crossings, Yasharovich highlighted delays in obtaining security clearances from Israeli authorities for essential medical equipment. He specifically cited a program for limb reconstruction at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, estimating that 20,000 Gazans require major limb reconstruction. This program is currently hampered by the lack of access to “autoplastic equipment.” He reiterated that rebuilding the health system, not solely relying on evacuations, is paramount.

Reconstruction of Infrastructure & Goods Flow

The interview addressed the broader reconstruction needs beyond healthcare. Yasharovich confirmed that UN agencies are advocating for increased flow of all goods into Gaza, including construction materials and equipment. He emphasized the extensive damage to health facilities – a “huge majority” have been damaged or destroyed – necessitating a comprehensive reconstruction effort. Supporting health workers is also crucial, but requires a safe “humanitarian space” to operate effectively.

Mortality Rates & Evacuation Timelines

The WHO is deeply concerned about the escalating mortality rates among those awaiting medical evacuation. According to the Ministry of Health, over 1,000 people have already died while on the approved evacuation list. Yasharovich underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that every day is critical for the remaining 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children. He pointed out that at the current evacuation rate of approximately 150 people per day, it would take over a year to clear the backlog, a rate recently reduced to five people per day.

Patient Demographics & Pre-War Referral System

Yasharovich provided insight into the types of patients requiring evacuation. While trauma injuries are prevalent, a significant number of patients suffer from oncology, congenital anomalies, and cardiovascular diseases. He contrasted the current situation with the pre-war system, where 50-100 people daily were routinely referred to East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Egypt, and other locations for medical treatment, establishing a “very wellestablished referral pathway.” Re-establishing this pathway is a key objective.

Conclusion

The interview with Tarak Yasharovich paints a dire picture of the healthcare situation in Gaza. While medical evacuations are vital for saving lives, the WHO emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild Gaza’s health system and ensure a consistent flow of medical supplies and equipment. The process is heavily reliant on both Israeli security clearances and international cooperation in accepting patients. The high mortality rate among those awaiting evacuation underscores the critical need for accelerated action and a shift towards long-term, sustainable healthcare solutions within Gaza.