The WHO manages to access the Naser Hospital in Gaza and evacuate 14 patients who were in critical condition
Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) successfully gained access to the Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza on Sunday and were able to evacuate 14 critically ill patients. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed this development on Monday.
The Israeli authorities had initially denied entry to the hospital for two days, despite the ongoing siege and fighting in the area. Finally, access was granted, allowing WHO personnel to assess the patients and facilitate the transfer of those in critical condition.
After two days of being denied entry into the Nasser Medical Complex in #Gaza, yesterday @WHO and partners were allowed to go inside to assess the patients. As a result, lifesaving medical referral of 14 critical patients was facilitated. Two patients needed continuous manual… pic.twitter.com/7iS65vG61y
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) February 19, 2024
According to Tedros, the Naser Hospital currently has 180 patients under its care, with 15 doctors and nurses available. The facility is facing severe shortages of food, basic medical supplies, and oxygen. Moreover, there is a lack of running water and regular electricity, with only a generator keeping essential machines operational.
In addition to the challenges faced by the hospital, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that 70 medical staff members have been detained in recent days, allegedly accused of engaging in “terrorist activities” by the Israeli army.