Challenges Faced by Dentists in Gaza: A Fight for Survival

Amid the sweltering heat of Gaza City, Dr. Rizq Sufyan Abo Halima finds himself in a makeshift tent, waiting for his next patient. This unusual setup has become a necessity due to the overwhelming demand for medical services and a severe shortage of available office spaces, exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region. This article explores the struggles faced by healthcare professionals like Dr. Abo Halima and the implications for patients in need of dental care.

The Struggle for Space

For Dr. Abo Halima, the rising temperatures present a significant challenge. “I had to adjust the corners of the tent to allow air to circulate,” he shared, illustrating the discomfort of both doctor and patient in such conditions. His original clinic, Smile One, located in Sheikh Zayed City, was destroyed during the intense days of warfare in 2023. In May of last year, he constructed a new clinic near where he currently operates; however, just three months later, that space was also reduced to rubble.

Today, he finds himself conducting dental procedures in a tent close to the remnants of his clinic. With frequent power outages, he often has no choice but to wait for the electricity to return before resuming his work.

Building Shortages and Rising Costs

Despite the pressing need for medical offices, finding suitable and affordable spaces in Gaza is near impossible. The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) has reported that over 80% of buildings in Gaza City and northern areas have been either completely destroyed or severely damaged. This dire situation has led to a critical lack of usable buildings, and the blockade on construction materials further complicates efforts to repair any remaining structures.

“Before the war, I could rent an entire clinic space for 500 shekels ($166) a month. Now, those same units are approaching $1,000,” Dr. Abo Halima lamented, emphasizing how astronomical rents make it difficult for him to sustain his practice.

A Tent as a Solution

Setting up a tent has become the most cost-effective alternative for Dr. Abo Halima, who is determined to keep his services affordable. “If I moved into a rented apartment, the cost of treatments would double for my patients,” he explained. He sacrifices comfort in hopes of shielding those in his community from the high costs associated with traditional clinic rentals.

Dr. Abo Halima takes great care of his dental instruments, regularly sterilizing them and employing a security guard to protect his possessions, since the tent offers scant protection against theft.

Patients in Need

The harsh realities of Gaza’s economic landscape mean that dental care is often a luxury few can afford. Take, for instance, 25-year-old Yousef Abo Halima, who embodies the struggle of many patients: “I can endure the heat in the tent, but I certainly can’t manage the high costs of dental work in more expensive clinics.”

Working with Scarcity

Like many in the region, 23-year-old Heba Rihan, a nursing graduate, faced difficulty finding employment in her field. After a challenging commute from the southern Gaza Strip, she joined Dr. Abo Halima’s clinic in May. One of her primary responsibilities now includes explaining to patients that treatment costs are driven up by material shortages and the ongoing siege.

“One patient came in with severe pain and asked about filling a cavity,” she recounted. “When I told him the cost was 350 shekels ($116), he was visibly distraught, opting instead for an extraction at just 50 shekels ($17). It was heartbreaking to witness his struggle.”

Conclusion

The plight of healthcare workers in Gaza highlights a devastating intersection of conflict, economic hardship, and the essential need for affordable medical care. With limited resources and increasing challenges, the resilience of professionals like Dr. Abo Halima remains a beacon of hope amidst turmoil.

• Dr. Rizq Abo Halima operates his dental practice from a tent due to the destruction of his clinics.
• The ongoing conflict has severely damaged over 80% of buildings in Gaza, creating a housing crisis.
• Costs for medical treatment have skyrocketed, forcing many residents to forgo necessary dental care.
• Healthcare workers are struggling to provide services amidst scarcity and high prices, significantly impacting patient care.