IRINInadequate infrastructure, lack of equipment and a shortage of hospital staff are contributing to the deterioration of hospital care for mothers and newborns in Gaza, according to a July 2009 assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jerusalem.
WHO attributes the dismal state of Gaza’s healthcare system to the Israeli blockade since June 2007, when Hamas took over control of the territory...
...“Ten types of essential medications for maternal care, like Prostin gel that induces labour, are out of stock,” said Munir Al-Bursh, head of Gaza’s Department of Pharmaceuticals, adding that they were unable to import spare parts for ultra-sound equipment and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners.
Safa Ahmed, aged 21, gave birth to her baby girl Rataj this week at As-Shifa, Gaza’s primary hospital, but was discharged just two hours after the delivery.
Mothers stay an average of two hours in Gaza hospitals after delivery due to a lack of beds...
... “There were 7-8 women per room,” said Safa. “My husband had to look in pharmacies outside the hospital for Prostin gel and blood thinners while I was delivering.” Patients say those drugs are not readily available...
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides some medications and medical supplies, but they are not always able to bring things in, said ICRC’s communications officer in Gaza Mustafa Abu-Hassanain.
...“There is a lack of working foetal monitors and incubator parts, like ultra-violet lamps,” said Al-Sharif, “and there are problems with infection control resulting from a lack of sinks, soaps and hand towels.”
The blockade prohibits imports of construction materials like cement - without which it is difficult to rehabilitate and maintain hospitals, according to WHO... Full story
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