Gaza Faces Critical Laboratory Supply Shortages Endangering Patient Care

The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip issued a warning today, stating that the ongoing shortage of laboratory supplies has reached alarming levels, jeopardizing hospitals' capacity to deliver essential medical care and conduct necessary surgeries.

Critical Supply Deficiencies

The ministry's official statement revealed that 75% of chemistry testing materials are currently out of stock, while blood testing and transfusion supplies have seen a staggering 90% shortage, with some items completely depleted.
Critical tests for patients requiring gland assessments, tumor evaluations, and kidney transplants have been halted, alongside essential blood salt tests and complete blood counts (CBC). Additionally, the availability of bacterial culture testing materials has plummeted by 72%.

Escalating Crisis Due to Supply Halts

The Ministry of Health noted that no new laboratory materials or blood bank supplies have been received for several months, worsening the crisis and endangering the medical sector's ability to accurately diagnose patients and conduct vital surgeries.

Urgent Appeal for Assistance

The ministry has urged both local and international organizations to take immediate action to replenish laboratory and blood bank supplies in Gaza, cautioning that the ongoing shortages pose serious risks to the lives of thousands of patients, particularly those with severe illnesses that require careful monitoring and timely laboratory tests.