Kokcha News Agency: In Gaza, doctors and healthcare workers are continuing to fulfill their humanitarian duties despite the immense challenges posed by Israel’s ongoing blockade and military attacks. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza’s medical professionals have been working under unprecedented levels of stress and workload, exacerbated by Israel’s “starvation policy” implemented since March 2.
The healthcare workers, who are tasked with the sacred duty of saving lives, are now so physically weakened by severe weight loss that they struggle to stand, directly affecting the quality of care they can provide to patients.
No Shifts, 24-Hour Workdays:
Iyad Abu Kirsh, head of the Anesthesia Department at the Eye Hospital in the Nasr neighborhood of western Gaza City, described the immense difficulties faced by healthcare workers during the ongoing attacks, especially since the complete closure of border crossings. Abu Kirsh noted that, compared to before the attacks, the hospital no longer operates on a shift system. Due to the constant influx of patients and wounded, healthcare workers are now working around the clock.
“The healthcare workers are extremely exhausted due to the workload,” said Abu Kirsh. He explained that while doctors need to remain focused to save lives, they are struggling because they can only eat one meal a day. “It’s very difficult to concentrate on your work when you’re in psychological distress, but we tell ourselves that our people need us, so we continue our work and endure all the hardships,” he added.
Uncertainty About Returning Home:
Abu Kirsh also highlighted that healthcare workers must wake up early to secure food and water for their families before heading to the hospital, as they have no idea when they will be able to return home due to the overwhelming workload. “This situation affects healthcare workers and, consequently, the patients. If this continues, many patients will either lose their lives or their limbs,” he warned.
Impact of Aid Distribution Points:
Following the opening of U.S.-Israel-controlled so-called aid distribution points, there has been an increase in the number of injured people. Abu Kirsh explained that doctors are reluctant to leave their patients to go out for aid, and many have become so exhausted that they now require IV fluids themselves.
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