Palestinian Health Ministry warns of lasting fallout from devastated Gaza healthcare system

During a live interview, Health Minister Maged Awni Abu Ramadan described the dire state of Palestine's healthcare, with more than 80% of primary clinics in Gaza rendered unusable. He stressed that essential medicines, vaccines, laboratory supplies and equipment are arriving in only minimal quantities, insufficient for the population's needs. Financial pressures are acute, as two-thirds of Palestine's income is withheld and the health ministry carries a $1.3 billion debt, limiting its ability to pay suppliers and staff.

Movement hurdles, including Israeli checkpoints and damaged roads, further hinder patients and health workers, prompting a shift to mobile clinics for early treatment, vaccinations, maternal care and chronic disease management. The ministry has also lost over 1,200 personnel in Gaza, worsening service gaps. Ramadan expressed gratitude to Malaysia for its continued support to the Palestinian people.