Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has resumed medical operations at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza after a hiatus of several months. The organization had withdrawn in October 2023 due to security risks but has now returned to support the pediatric ward and establish a field hospital. The medical teams are providing urgent care to those affected by ongoing conflict, particularly vulnerable children suffering from a variety of severe health issues.
Emergency Treatment for Children in Crisis: Within days of resuming operations, Doctors Without Borders treated 75 children with critical health problems. Many of these children were suffering from acute respiratory infections, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal diseases. “One of our first patients, a nine-month-old girl, arrived with a severe respiratory infection. Without immediate intervention, she might not have survived,” said Sonam Dreyer Cornut, the medical director for Doctors Without Borders. Despite challenging conditions, the team remains dedicated to providing essential treatment to those in need.
Devastation of Gaza’s Healthcare System: The ongoing attacks have caused immense damage to the healthcare infrastructure in northern Gaza. The Kamal Adwan Hospital has been completely destroyed, while the Indonesian and Al-Awda hospitals have been severely damaged. The remaining medical facilities are overwhelmed, struggling to treat an ever-growing number of patients with limited resources. Healthcare workers are facing significant challenges as overcrowding, limited space, and dwindling medical supplies make it harder to provide life-saving care.
Aid Blockade Deepens Crisis: The ongoing conflict, combined with restrictions on humanitarian aid, has made medical relief efforts increasingly difficult. The blockade of essential supplies has severely hindered the ability to deliver aid, further exacerbating the crisis. Doctors Without Borders has raised alarms about the critical shortage of medicines and medical equipment, which is putting thousands of lives at risk. The organization is calling for immediate international intervention to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
A Strained and Overburdened Healthcare System: Northern Gaza’s hospitals are facing overwhelming demand, with far more patients than they can manage. Medical professionals are working tirelessly, but the damage to healthcare infrastructure and the continuing conflict are making their efforts unsustainable. Overcrowding has led to delays in treatment, and many patients are unable to receive the timely care they desperately need. The shortage of medical supplies, including life-saving medications and equipment, is further deepening the crisis.
Doctors Without Borders’ Continued Commitment: Despite the significant obstacles, Doctors Without Borders has remained committed to providing medical aid. The field hospital set up by the organization is helping to alleviate some of the pressure on the remaining medical facilities. MSF’s medical teams are focusing on delivering urgent care to children, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic conditions aggravated by the ongoing violence. Their work is critical to saving lives in a region that has been devastated by conflict.
The Need for Immediate International Support: Doctors Without Borders is urging the international community to increase its efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The blockade of aid and destruction of infrastructure are making it nearly impossible to provide the necessary medical care. The organization stresses that without immediate intervention and support, the healthcare crisis will continue to worsen, and many more lives will be lost.
The return of Doctors Without Borders to northern Gaza is a vital step in addressing the dire healthcare needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict. The organization’s medical teams are working under extremely challenging conditions to deliver life-saving care. However, the situation remains critical, and without greater international support and a lifting of the aid blockade, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will continue to escalate.
For more updates on the humanitarian situation and ongoing relief efforts, visit Wallstreet Storys.
