MOH – Gaza: Surgical cadres conduct joints replacement, after localizing the service in the Gaza Strip
The Ministry of Health decided to localize the joint replacement service, to be performed regularly by surgical staff in Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip in a precedent step of the ministry of health in the Gaza Strip as part of its continuous endeavour efforts.
In the same context, Dr Ghassan Abu Zuhri, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Nasser Medical Complex, indicates that joint replacement operations are now performed periodically at Nasser Medical Complex, where two operations are performed per week.
Dr Abu Zuhri points out that the service was localized at Nasser Medical Complex by performing the first complete joint replacement operation with local caders in 2021, thus realizing a dream that was haunting dozens of patients.
Dr Abu Zuhri states that in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023, more than 123 knee joint replacement operations and 70 thigh joint replacement operations were performed, which contributed to reducing the long waiting lists.
Dr Abu Zuhri pointed out that the service of replacing artificial joints in the Gaza Strip was a far dream, given the difficulty of treatment abroad due to the blockade and restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip, in addition to the lack of artificial joints due to the occupation’s prevention of the entry of medical equipment.
Dr Abu Zuhri said that the start of joint replacement operations was in partnership with Physicians for Human Rights in the occupied territories, who have always been credited with providing artificial joints through the delegation’s frequent visits to the Gaza Strip.
Dr Abu Zuhri praised the orthopaedic surgery team for their contributions to the success of these operations, which he considered an achievement and pride for the health sector and Nasser Medical Complex.