Health Workforce in Gaza: The Cornerstone of Health System Recovery

Protecting and investing in health professionals is essential to rebuilding a resilient and sustainable healthcare system

The health workforce represents the foundation of any healthcare system’s ability to respond to crises and recover from their impacts. In Gaza, the ongoing conflict has placed immense pressure on the health sector, significantly affecting the availability and capacity of healthcare professionals who remain at the forefront of service delivery.

According to statistics from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, the number of ministry employees has decreased from 11,106 health workers before the war to 8,035 employees currently, representing a reduction of 27% of the health workforce.

The impact has been particularly significant among key professional groups. The number of doctors has decreased by 42%, while nursing staff have declined by 17%, affecting two of the most essential pillars of healthcare provision and patient care.

This reduction is the result of multiple factors, including the loss of healthcare workers’ lives, displacement outside the Gaza Strip, detention, retirement, and resignations under challenging circumstances.

People Are the Foundation of Health Recovery

Rebuilding Gaza’s health system requires more than restoring hospitals, medical facilities, and equipment. The most critical component of any healthcare system is the people who operate and sustain it.

Doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians, and all healthcare professionals represent the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to ensure the continuity of healthcare services.

While healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment can be rebuilt or replaced within a limited timeframe, developing qualified health professionals requires years of education, specialized training, and practical experience.

Protecting Health Workers as a Priority for Recovery

Supporting, protecting, and strengthening the health workforce must be a central priority in health recovery efforts in Palestine.

Despite unprecedented challenges, healthcare workers in Gaza have demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, continuing to provide essential services and respond to increasing health needs.

Investing in health professionals today means investing in the future of Gaza’s healthcare system and its ability to recover, adapt, and provide sustainable services for communities.

The resilience of any health system begins with the resilience of the people who stand behind it.