Gaza parents brave dental dilemma: Costly treatment or food on the table? | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Nuseirat, Gaza — Murad Haji, a 50-year-old resident of the Nuseirat refugee camp, is enduring the sharp pain of a dental issue that has persisted for months. As he sits in the dentist’s chair, surrounded by the camp’s rubble, he contemplates a treatment estimate of 400 shekels (about $142) — a sum that equates to several days’ worth of food for his family amid soaring prices.
“I can no longer bear the pain,” Haji said. “But that amount is a lot. My children need it more.”
Dr. Liza Hassouna, his dentist, highlights that the ongoing Israeli siege of Gaza has led to severe shortages of dental materials, significantly inflating treatment costs. Patients often delay seeking help, resulting in more complicated and painful conditions.
“Many come to us only after the infection has worsened because they could not afford earlier treatment,” Hassouna explained. “What could have been a simple procedure becomes far more complicated, painful, and costly.”
Haji’s case is emblematic of a broader issue facing many Palestinians in Gaza, where escalating costs further strain limited financial resources. Complications from delaying treatment often lead to more severe infections and the need for invasive procedures. Haji’s toothache escalated to a swollen face and severe pain, ultimately requiring more extensive treatment than initially anticipated.
Patients frequently require antibiotics and painkillers to manage their ailments before dental work can begin, adding to their financial burdens. For those in Gaza, the choice often comes down to either medical treatment or basic household necessities. Many, like Haji, endure pain until it becomes unbearable, often opting for cheaper tooth extraction when possible. However, even the cost of extraction has risen sharply due to the economic situation.
The underlying crisis stems from stringent Israeli restrictions on importing essential supplies, which often classify dental equipment as “non-essential.” This lack of resources has created a situation where local suppliers exert considerable control over prices, limiting clinics’ ability to offer consistent and affordable care.
Dr. Nidal al-Sindi, manager of a dental clinic in Nuseirat, faces similar challenges as he tries to maintain operations. Rising costs for rent and medical supplies have added financial pressure on his practice. For instance, the price of anesthesia has surged from about 150 shekels ($53) to 500 shekels ($178), and certain materials have skyrocketed from 150 shekels to between 5,000 and 6,000 shekels ($1,778-$2,133).
Previously affordable dental procedures now present substantial financial challenges. A routine tooth extraction, which once ranged from 30 to 150 shekels ($11-$53), now carries considerably higher costs, straining many families’ budgets.
Al-Sindi expressed dismay over patients leaving his clinic without treatment due to financial constraints. “It’s heartbreaking to see patients leave still in pain because they can’t afford help, while we deal with shortages and high operational costs,” he said.
The struggles within Gaza’s dental industry mirror the broader healthcare crisis in the region. According to the World Health Organization, around 84 percent of healthcare facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the escalation of violence in October 2023, with over 1,800 healthcare institutions affected.
As many healthcare providers relocate to temporary tents or makeshift clinics, they do so without adequate sterilization or equipment, leaving them unable to deliver proper care. For residents like Murad Haji, the difficulties of accessing dental care highlight the dire state of health services in Gaza, where essential procedures often remain delayed or neglected.
