“More and more temporary structures are being erected, tents are used as wards and temporary clinics. Every spare building is being filled with beds for patients. More hospital beds are desperately needed,” says Hook.
Treating the war-wounded is complicated as blasts from explosive weapons and collapsing buildings create multiple, simultaneous injuries on many parts of the body. In Gaza, Israel’s complete siege makes it impossible to access essential drugs, including pain management drugs, which are critical in surgical interventions, and the medical tools needed to repair shattered and burned bodies.
“The lucky few that survive have life-changing injuries. Many injured people suffer from extreme burns, major fractures that won’t heal properly and may go on to require amputations,” says Hook.
“Many of these patients, even if they can get back to something resembling normal life, will have severe chronic pain that will require substantial pain management as well.
“It would be a huge burden even on the most functional healthcare system, let alone for a system under intense pressure, like in Gaza.”
