GAZA
—
Al-Shifa Medical Complex, one of Gaza's largest medical centers, has been
under siege by Israeli Occupation Forces following a six-day blockade. This has
resulted in numerous casualties and injuries among its patients and those
seeking refuge. On day 40 of the siege, news had broken out that IOF were
searching the complex with orders for its displaced to evacuate.
اضافة اعلان
Affiliated
with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the
Al-Shifa Complex is a government
healthcare institution and the principal provider of medical services in the
Gaza Strip. Its origins trace back to 1946 during the British mandate in Gaza
City when it consisted of small booths offering medical care. Over time, it has
evolved into the largest medical complex in the region, employing 25 percent of
the healthcare workforce, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
This
expansive complex, covering an area of 45,000 square meters, is situated in the
central-western part of Gaza City, overlooking Az-Zaytouna and Al-Wahda
streets, and is
surrounded by Al-Shifa Mosque.
It
houses three specialized hospitals: Surgery Hospital, Internal Medicine
Hospital, and Women and Maternity Hospital, with a neonatal care unit.
Additionally, it includes essential facilities such as an emergency department,
intensive care unit, radiology, blood bank, and planning unit, boasting a
capacity of 500-700 beds.
Catering
to the residents of Gaza City and individuals from other cities lacking
specialized hospitals,
Al-Shifa provides diverse medical and therapeutic
services. In 2020, the hospital treated nearly 460,000 citizens, with an
additional 250,000 citizens receiving healthcare services in the emergency
department. Notably, the hospital conducted 25,000 surgical operations, 69
kidney dialysis sessions, and 13,000 childbirths during that year.
Employing
approximately 1,500 staff, including over 500 doctors, 760 nurses, 32
pharmacists, and 200 administrative personnel, the Al-Shifa Medical Complex has
a rich history. Following the British mandate, it became part of the Egyptian
administration for about two decades. In 1967, it fell under Israeli occupation
after Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip. Throughout the First Intifada in
December 1987, the hospital served as a major confrontation point between
citizens and Israeli forces.
With
the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, the hospital came
under its administration, receiving support from Japan and Europe for
development initiatives. This support led to the construction of new buildings
and the expansion of existing ones, transforming Al-Shifa into a comprehensive
medical complex with multiple specialized hospitals.
As
of 2023, the external structure of the hospital requires renovation due to the
impact of the siege. Parts of the concrete are falling from the ceilings and
walls, yet the renovation process faces obstacles. The blockade impedes the
acquisition of necessary materials, and financial support is lacking, rendering
the renovation efforts unfeasible.
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