Norwegian Doctor in Gaza Observes Drastic Changes in Colleagues’ Professional Roles Due to Conflict

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September 4, 2025

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – A Team of Norwegian medical professionals arriving in Gaza this week have reported alarming conditions at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, detailing extreme overcrowding and a severe lack of essential medical resources.

Critical Overcrowding at Nasser Hospital

The Norwegian team, led by Orthopedist Geir Stray Andreassen, began work at the hospital on Wednesday. Andreassen described scenes of patients lying in corridors and multiple individuals sharing single beds.The 340-bed facility currently houses 819 patients, exceeding its capacity by a meaningful margin.

“We are met wiht incredibly warmth,but many of the people we knew before have become so lean that we almost did not recognize them,” Andreassen stated. This observation underscores the deteriorating health and nutritional state of the population within Gaza.

Severe Shortages Hamper Medical Care

The medical team highlighted a critical shortage of essential equipment, especially those needed for treating trauma injuries. “The equipment situation is very poor,” Andreassen explained. “They lack most things, including equipment for fixing fracture damage, which is naturally very common after shooting and bomb damage.” This deficit significantly hinders the hospital’s ability to provide adequate care to injured patients.

According to the World Health Organization, attacks on healthcare facilities have become increasingly common in conflict zones, exacerbating the challenges faced by medical personnel and patients alike. the lack of resources at Nasser Hospital contributes to this growing crisis.

Norwegian Team to Provide Support

The Norwegian health workers,including Orthopedist Odd Arild Ågedal and operating nurse Silvana Zuvela,are scheduled to provide assistance at Nasser Hospital for the next three weeks. They will also extend their support to field hospitals operating within Gaza.

Key Facts – Nasser hospital Situation
Hospital Capacity: 340 Beds
Current Patient Count: 819
Key Shortages: Medical Equipment, Fracture Repair Supplies
Norwegian Team Duration: 3 Weeks

Did you know? According to UNICEF, over 1.7 million people in Gaza are in need of humanitarian assistance as of late 2024.

Pro Tip: To support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, consider donating to reputable organizations like the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders.

What immediate steps do you think international organizations shoudl take to alleviate the suffering in Gaza? How can global communities better address the long-term healthcare needs of conflict-affected populations?

The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The situation at Nasser Hospital reflects a broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been ongoing for years and intensified with recent escalations. Limited access to essential resources, including medical care, food, and water, continues to threaten the lives and well-being of the population. International aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide assistance, but their efforts are often hampered by logistical challenges and security concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Healthcare crisis

• What is the current state of healthcare in Gaza? The healthcare system in Gaza is severely strained due to ongoing conflict, shortages of medical supplies, and a lack of funding.
• What challenges do medical workers in Gaza face? Medical personnel in Gaza face numerous challenges, including limited resources, frequent power outages, and the risk of violence.
• How is the international community responding to the crisis? International organizations are providing humanitarian aid and advocating for a ceasefire to allow for the safe delivery of assistance.
• What can individuals do to help? Individuals can donate to reputable aid organizations, raise awareness about the crisis, and advocate for political solutions.
• What is the role of field hospitals in Gaza? Field hospitals provide essential medical care in areas where existing healthcare facilities are overwhelmed or inaccessible.

Share this article to help raise awareness about the urgent needs of those affected by the crisis in Gaza. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

How might the expanded roles of healthcare professionals in Gaza, beyond clinical care, impact the quality of specialized medical services available to the population?

The Evolving Roles of Gaza’s Healthcare Professionals

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has not only resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis but has also fundamentally altered the professional lives of healthcare workers. Dr. Erik Hagen, a Norwegian physician volunteering with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Gaza, has documented significant shifts in the roles and responsibilities of his Palestinian colleagues. Thes changes extend far beyond simply treating the wounded; they encompass logistical support, psychosocial care, and even advocacy – tasks traditionally outside the scope of medical practice. The situation highlights the immense strain on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system and the resilience of its medical personnel. This article examines these observed changes, the challenges they present, and the long-term implications for healthcare delivery in the region. We’ll explore the impact on doctors,nurses,and other vital medical staff.

From Clinicians to Crisis Managers: A Shift in Focus

Before the recent escalations, Gaza’s healthcare professionals primarily focused on providing clinical care – diagnosis, treatment, and preventative medicine. However, Dr.Hagen’s observations reveal a dramatic shift towards crisis management.

Logistical Challenges: Doctors and nurses are now routinely involved in securing essential supplies like medicine,bandages,and even fuel for generators. This often involves navigating complex bureaucratic hurdles and personal risks.The shortage of medical supplies in Gaza is a critical issue, forcing healthcare workers to improvise and make challenging triage decisions.

Infrastructure Repair: With repeated damage to hospitals and clinics, medical staff are increasingly tasked with assessing damage and coordinating basic repairs, frequently enough with limited resources. This diverts time and energy from patient care.

Security Concerns: Healthcare workers are facing increased risks to their personal safety, requiring them to adapt to unpredictable security situations and prioritize their own protection alongside patient care. This includes understanding evacuation procedures and managing the psychological stress of working in a conflict zone.

Expanding Scope of Practice: Nurses are performing tasks typically reserved for doctors due to physician shortages, and even administrative staff are assisting with basic medical procedures. This “task-shifting” is a direct consequence of the overwhelming demand and limited resources.

The Surge in Psychosocial Support Needs

The conflict has created a massive wave of trauma within the Gazan population.This has placed an unprecedented burden on healthcare professionals, requiring them to expand their skills to include psychosocial support.

Treating Trauma: doctors and nurses are now routinely providing basic psychological first aid to patients suffering from shock, grief, and anxiety. This is often done alongside treating physical injuries.

Supporting Colleagues: The emotional toll on healthcare workers themselves is immense. Dr. Hagen notes that many of his colleagues are experiencing burnout, secondary trauma, and moral distress. Peer support groups and mental health services are desperately needed but frequently enough unavailable.

Community Outreach: Some healthcare professionals are engaging in community outreach programs to provide psychological support to displaced families and individuals. This involves visiting shelters and providing counseling services.

Child Mental Health: The impact on children is notably severe. Healthcare workers are witnessing a surge in cases of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among children exposed to violence and displacement. Specialized child mental health services are critically lacking.

Advocacy and Documentation: New Responsibilities

Beyond clinical care and psychosocial support, Dr. Hagen has observed a growing role for Gaza’s healthcare professionals in advocacy and documentation.

Reporting on Humanitarian Needs: Doctors and nurses are increasingly documenting the health consequences of the conflict and reporting on the urgent humanitarian needs of the population. This facts is crucial for attracting international aid and holding perpetrators accountable.

Advocating for Access to Care: Healthcare workers are actively advocating for access to medical supplies,fuel,and safe passage for patients and personnel. This often involves engaging with international organizations and political leaders.

Documenting Human Rights Violations: Some healthcare professionals are documenting alleged human rights violations, including attacks on hospitals and clinics, and providing evidence to international legal bodies.

Media Engagement: Increasingly, doctors are being called upon to speak to the media, sharing their experiences and raising awareness about the crisis in Gaza.

The Long-Term Impact on Gaza’s Healthcare system

the changes observed by Dr. Hagen are not temporary adjustments; they represent a basic shift in the nature of healthcare delivery in Gaza.

Erosion of Specialized Skills: The need to perform tasks outside their area of expertise may lead to an erosion of specialized skills among healthcare professionals.

Increased Burnout and Attrition: The immense stress and workload are likely to