Challenges and Obstacles during Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis Management Faced by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

Background: The main aim of this study was to describe the main challenges and obstacles faced by the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) during the management of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis from a health policymakers' perspective in the Gaza Strip (GS). Methods: The researcher used a descriptive, exploratory qualitative design, targeting health policy-makers, with a sample size of 25, using a purposeful sampling technique. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, whereas the directed qualitative content analysis approach was adopted for the analysis of the interview data. Results: The study stated 26 challenges and obstacles faced by the Palestinian MoH and the health care system (HCS) and ways and measures taken by the MoH to deal with them. The study stated a set of challenges and obstacles faced by Palestinian MoH and HCS during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis management and ways and measures taken by MoH to deal with the following: 8 Challenges related to Shortage of oxygen and resources, as "The Shortage of produced amounts of oxygen, N=16”. 7 Challenges related to the nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as “Spreading of Covid-19 infection between medical personnel and Infection of the medical staff, N=6). 4 Challenges related to situational reality and community, as “Siege and closure of crossings and Impeding the entry of medical devices and equipment and vaccinations, N=11” 4 Challenges related to the health system and health services, as” the fragility of the health system as a result of repeated crises and attacks by the Israeli occupation, especially under the blockade, N=4”. 3 Challenges related to lack of information and knowledge, as “Lack of information and Knowledge about this new pandemic, N=15”. Conclusion: All of the participants agreed that MoH has done well since the beginning of the pandemic and over 3 despite the extreme shortage of resources and these challenges and obstacles. The study recommended activating and enhancing the role of the Palestinian PuHealth Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) ].