United Nations Radio

The crisis in Gaza is occurring is happening in an already damaged health infrastructure, according to the Director of Health of the UN for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA.

UNRWA doctor with child

Dr. Guido Sabatinelli told reporters in Geneva that for a long time hospitals have not been able to import new equipment or maintain buildings.

He recalled that UNRWA is servicing 750,000 people through a network of clinics and also referring patients to hospitals for the care it cannot provide.

Dr. Sabatinelli said that UNRWA is immediately restoring its services in Gaza and all 17 health services have re-opened.

"Sixty per cent of the UNRWA medical staff, the very brave staff that were working also during the bombing are now providing services. Two days ago we had 11,000 consultations dispensed to the people of Gaza."

Dr. Sabatinelli said the health needs of the population of Gaza have changed for the worse with about 300 people who have had limbs amputated and need special services.

He added that UNRWA needs to expand its services to deal with physical rehabilitation and provide prosthetic devices.

Reporting for UN Radio, this is Bissera Kostova.

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