How Come There Are So Many Hospitals in Gaza? 30 Hospitals for a Population of 2 Million People, Over 90% of Which Are 54 Years Old and Younger.

The proliferation of hospitals in Gaza: An analysis

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The high number of hospitals in Gaza can be attributed to the region’s unique geopolitical challenges, frequent military conflicts, and the ongoing siege. These factors have created an urgent need for extensive medical infrastructure to address the healthcare needs of the population. Despite the challenges, the resilience and efforts of international aid organizations and the local healthcare community have ensured that medical services continue to be available to the residents of Gaza.

The Gaza Strip, a densely populated area with approximately 2 million residents, has a notably high number of hospitals—30 in total. This figure is particularly striking given that over 90% of the population is 54 years old or younger. This article explores the reasons behind the high number of hospitals in Gaza, considering the unique geopolitical, social, and health-related challenges faced by the region.

Geopolitical Context and Healthcare Needs

The geopolitical situation in Gaza has a profound impact on its healthcare infrastructure. The region has been subjected to repeated military conflicts, which have severely damaged healthcare facilities and increased the demand for medical services. For instance, Israeli airstrikes have damaged multiple hospitals and primary health care centers, exacerbating the need for more medical facilities to handle the increased patient load and the destruction of existing infrastructure1 3.

Impact of Military Conflicts

Military conflicts have not only damaged healthcare facilities but also increased the number of casualties requiring medical attention. During Operation Protective Edge, for example, over 1030 Palestinians were killed, and around 5000 were wounded, necessitating extensive medical care3. The destruction of hospitals and clinics during such conflicts has led to the establishment of additional facilities to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the population.

Siege and Resource Withholding

The ongoing siege of Gaza has further strained its healthcare system. The siege has led to significant shortages of medical supplies and resources, making it difficult for existing hospitals to function effectively. This has necessitated the establishment of more hospitals to distribute the limited resources and manage the high patient load4. The siege has also disrupted the supply of essential materials, leading to a healthcare system that is heavily dependent on international aid and external support4.

Humanitarian Response and Aid

International aid organizations and NGOs have played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining healthcare facilities in Gaza. The frequent damage to hospitals and clinics has prompted these organizations to set up additional facilities to ensure continuous medical care. For example, the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians has been actively involved in providing medical supplies and support to hospitals in Gaza1.