Battered and Overburdened: The Gaza Hospital’s Struggle to Survive amidst Scarcity and Siege

The hospital in Gaza where Sabha and Khan were stationed was under immense strain, as it was designed to house only 200 people but was currently overflowing with over 10,000 patients, according to Sabha. Many of these patients suffered severe injuries that required amputations, leaving them with nowhere else to turn.

One of the most significant issues facing the hospital was the lack of bathroom facilities. There was only one bathroom for every 200 to 300 people, forcing doctors to create makeshift emergency room settings. Patients arriving at the emergency room had to be seen on the ground due to a shortage of beds. Sabha, who was fasting for Ramadan, saw an average of 20 to 30 patients a day surviving on just four hours of sleep and two protein bars.

The limited resources available due to Gaza’s siege since October 7 meant that doctors had to work with scarce medication and instruments, forcing them to be creative and step out of their comfort zones. Khan explained that one of the biggest challenges he faced was using the wrong implants due to limited supplies for treating fractures. The crumbling infrastructure in Gaza from constant bombings also led to unstable buildings and a lack of sanitation facilities, which breeding rampant mosquitoes. The accumulation of garbage created a pervasive smell throughout the area, making it difficult for doctors and nurses to work in.