Gaza’s Nasser Hospital overwhelmed by war casualties, displaced families amid ongoing conflict
The once-familiar environment of Nasser Hospital in Gaza has transformed into a shelter for both the war-wounded and displaced civilians, a far cry from its typical operations just a year ago. Located in Khan Younis, it is now one of the few medical facilities still functioning amidst the devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip. The hospital’s courtyards and corridors are filled with those seeking refuge, while its staff, including many newly arrived doctors, continue their work under extremely challenging conditions.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Palestine, has been at the forefront of this crisis. Having moved between different medical sites during the past year, he describes how hospitals, once structured and organized spaces for treating patients, have become makeshift shelters. "Hospitals are no longer the places we used to know. Families have brought tents, and people are sleeping in car parks and wards, believing they will be safe here," he said in an interview with The Guardian.
However, hospitals have not been immune to the violence. The United Nations has reported over 500 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza over the past 12 months, including bombings and raids on major hospitals such as Nasser Hospital and Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital. In January and February, Nasser Hospital itself was raided by Israeli forces, with some staff and displaced individuals reporting instances of torture.
Amid this chaos, healthcare workers like Dr. Mughaisib have been personally affected. While working tirelessly to care for others, they have also had to grapple with the safety of their own families. Dr. Mughaisib’s wife and children narrowly escaped an airstrike in November, prompting him to evacuate them to Cairo in February for their safety. Despite these personal struggles, he continues his vital work in Gaza.
With much of the Israeli military focus shifting to Khan Younis, including targeting Nasser Hospital itself, Dr. Mughaisib and his team have repeatedly had to move, including a stint at the Rafah Indonesian Field Hospital. This facility, like many others, later became a target, forcing both medical staff and civilians to seek safety elsewhere once again.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza’s healthcare system in ruins. According to the UN, only 17 hospitals remain partially operational, while 19 have been completely shut down. Most primary healthcare centers are no longer functioning, leaving many patients without access to critical medical care. Dr. Mughaisib and his colleagues are not only dealing with conflict-related injuries but also seeing a rise in cases of infectious diseases like gastroenteritis, skin infections, and hepatitis A, exacerbated by poor living conditions and contaminated water supplies.
Despite the immense challenges, moments of hope still surface. Dr. Mughaisib recalls the emotional toll of treating severely injured children but also takes comfort in the ability to bring them brief moments of joy. "I always remember the children – those who have lost limbs, those who suffer severe injuries. As a doctor, I must stay strong for them, but they are the patients I will never forget," he shared.
The hospital continues to operate using generators, which sometimes fail due to fuel shortages, forcing staff to work under constant uncertainty. Calls for a ceasefire, which the doctors say are urgently needed, have gone unanswered for months. "After a year of conflict, the word ceasefire feels like a distant dream. We hoped it would come during Ramadan or Eid, or even by the end of summer, but it hasn’t happened," Dr. Mughaisib said, reflecting the weariness and uncertainty of those on the frontlines of this humanitarian crisis.
(This report is based on information provided by The Guardian)
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
