Palestine Ministry of Health – Gaza: Dr. Salha critically injured by Israeli airstrikes
Dr. Salha is being treated in the Shifa hospital after being critically injured by the Israeli bombing of the Ministry of Health facilities and Al-Rimal Primary Health care clinics on May 17. Dr. Salha provided primary care to Gaza patients. Targeting health care professionals in Gaza, like Dr. Salha, Dr. Ayman, and Dr. al-Aloul has added additional strain to provide patient services.
Dr. Salha was working as a physician, speaking on the telephone, when the Israeli bombing struck the Al-Rimal Primary Health Care Center. A piece of shrapnel struck Dr. Salha in the head, causing him to be critically injured. The ambulance was delayed in reaching Dr. Salha due to severely damaged roads leading to the Al-Rimal Primary Health Care Center. This delay caused significant blood loss for Dr. Salha, increasing the severity of his critical injuries.
The targeting of health clinics and facilities in Gaza, including the Al-Rimal Primary Health Clinic, has led to the closure of the central laboratory services, COVID-19 vaccination, pregnancy services, telemedicine, and Coronavirus testing. The suspension of these services has severely impaired the Ministry of Health’s ability to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Gaza communities.