The Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip warned that the treatment of cancer patients has reached a critical stage due to an unprecedented and severe shortage of essential cancer medications. The ministry emphasized that healthcare services for this group have reached their “most difficult level,” with several life-saving drugs completely unavailable and others nearing depletion. In a statement released Tuesday, the ministry said that many chemotherapy protocols have been completely halted for a number of cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, head and neck tumors, sarcomas, and other types of tumors requiring regular treatment. The ministry explained that oncology departments are no longer able to admit new breast cancer patients, while the severe shortage of specialized medications is hindering the provision of combined chemotherapy treatments for patients who require them as part of their treatment plans.
The ministry added that the shortage of specialized medications is also preventing patients from receiving combined chemotherapy as part of their treatment plans. The Ministry added that the absence of immune-boosting injections given to patients after chemotherapy sessions increases their likelihood of experiencing serious health complications and raises the risk of infections. Meanwhile, the shortage of palliative medications and painkillers has exacerbated the suffering of patients already enduring pain and complications from the disease. The Ministry indicated that approximately 4,000 cancer patients, out of 11,000 with medical referrals for treatment outside the Gaza Strip, are still awaiting permission to travel to receive necessary medical care. It warned that the continued depletion of drug stocks, coupled with the shortage of diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment, and the ongoing restrictions preventing patients from leaving the Strip, pose a direct threat to their lives. The Ministry of Health emphasized that cancer patients face an increasing risk with each passing day without access to treatment, noting that delays in providing necessary medications and treatments compound their suffering and reduce their chances of receiving appropriate medical care. The Ministry appealed to international organizations, humanitarian agencies, and human rights groups for urgent intervention to provide cancer treatment medications and essential medical supplies, and to ensure cancer patients’ access to treatment both within and outside the Gaza Strip, given the dire health conditions prevailing there.
