Gazans’ injuries risk permanently shattering lives Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) International - 29 November 2018
▻https://www.msf.org/gazans-injuries-risk-permanently-shattering-lives-palestine
The huge numbers of patients with complex and serious gunshot wounds are overwhelming the healthcare system in Gaza
Untreated wounds could lead to lifelong disability for many, and untreated infections pose the risk of amputation or even death
MSF calls on the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to facilitate the treatment of patients in Gaza and abroad, and urges other countries to offer funding and space in hospitals where advanced surgical capacity exists
A slow-motion healthcare emergency is unfolding in Gaza as the cumulative needs of patients shot by the Israeli army and seriously injured during protests mount.
The vast majority of the 3,117 patients treated by MSF between 30 March and 31 October – out of the total 5,866 the Ministry of Health says have been injured by live fire – had been shot in the leg. Around half suffered open fractures, with severe soft tissue damage to many of the rest.
These are complex and serious injuries that do not quickly heal. Their severity and the lack of appropriate treatment in Gaza’s crippled health system means that infection is a high risk, especially for patients with open fractures. (...)
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