Gaza faces critical shortage of CT scan machines

Gaza’s health system is confronting a critical shortage of computed tomography (CT) scan machines, a deficit that health officials say is exacerbating the region’s overall medical crisis. The scarcity stems from prolonged damage to medical infrastructure during recent conflicts, limited access to spare parts and equipment due to the blockade, and the inability to import new devices. As a result, hospitals are forced to refer patients with serious injuries, internal bleeding, and complex diagnoses to distant facilities or to rely on less precise imaging methods, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of complications.

The shortage is affecting a wide range of patients, from trauma victims to those with chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring. International aid agencies have highlighted the urgent need for functional CT scanners to support emergency care and routine diagnostics, urging donors and governing bodies to facilitate the delivery of equipment and technical support. Without swift intervention, health professionals warn that the lack of timely imaging will continue to worsen health outcomes for Gaza’s population.