18,500 Patients Need Special Medical Care Not Available in Gaza Strip

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 18,500 patients in the Gaza Strip need specialized medical care that is not available in the Palestinian enclave.

"More than 18,500 patients in Gaza still need specialized medical care that is not available inside the Gaza Strip," tweeted WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus on X, as quoted by WAFA (4/2).

Tedros further noted that WHO and its partners supported the medical evacuation of 5 patients and 7 companions to Egypt through the Rafah Crossing, describing it as "the first medical evacuation through this route since mid-March 2025."

He stressed that "the Gaza health system is in dire need of rehabilitation and reconstruction to reduce dependence on medical evacuations," noting that "this is now a top priority."

The WHO chief stressed the need for "rapid improvement of health services in Gaza, including increased medical supplies, rehabilitation of damaged facilities, and expansion of essential services to build a resilient and sustainable health system."

On this occasion, Tedros again called for "the immediate reopening of medical referral routes to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem" with the aim of accelerating access to life-saving treatment.