DaysofPal- The Palestinian Ministry of Health has warned of a potential shutdown of the only operational oxygen generation plant serving Gaza City and the northern governorates, raising alarm over a critical threat to patient care.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the facility, considered the primary source of medical oxygen for hospitals, chronically ill patients, and health-focused civil organizations, is suffering from repeated malfunctions due to heavy pressure and prolonged operating hours. With no sufficient alternatives available, officials cautioned that oxygen supplies could soon be disrupted, putting patients’ lives at serious risk.
The ministry stressed that the worsening situation could lead to an imminent humanitarian crisis, particularly given the growing demand for oxygen in hospitals and healthcare centers across the strip.
It called on international organizations and relevant parties to intervene urgently by facilitating the entry of new oxygen generation plants and ensuring a stable supply of medical oxygen to health facilities in order to safeguard patients and maintain essential services.
Bassem al-Hamadin, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, said Israeli occupation forces had deliberately targeted and destroyed key electromechanical systems, including oxygen generation units. He noted that 10 oxygen plants that previously supplied critical hospital departments have been completely destroyed.
Al-Hamadin added that the shortage has significantly worsened conditions for patients and the wounded, particularly those in intensive care units, operating rooms, and on ventilators.
He said hospitals in Gaza urgently require at least 10 new oxygen plants to continue providing care across departments. He also pointed to the worsening electricity crisis as a major obstacle to restoring hospital operations and primary healthcare services.
According to al-Hamadin, healthcare facilities are in immediate need of 30 generators of varying capacities, ranging from 1.6 megawatts to 40 KVA. He added that existing generators are in constant use and require maintenance and spare parts to remain functional.
Over the past two years, Israel’s genocide has severely damaged hospital infrastructure and healthcare facilities in Gaza. Restrictions on the entry of medical equipment, along with limits on patient travel for treatment, have further strained the healthcare system, contributing to preventable deaths among patients and the injured.
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