Health Crisis in Taiz: 12 Hospitals Face Closure as Thousands Lose Access to Care

Taiz Deputy Governor for Health Affairs, Dr. Ilan Abdulhaq, has warned of an imminent collapse of the healthcare system in Taiz, reporting that 12 major hospitals are at risk of suspension and approximately 246,000 citizens have been deprived of essential medical services due to the ongoing blockade and severe shortages of supplies and fuel.

During a press conference held on Sunday, Dr. Abdulhaq stated that medical oxygen reserves have plummeted to 2 percent, while fuel supplies have reached a critical low of 5 percent. These shortages have forced the Yemeni-Swedish Hospital to reduce its neonatal incubator capacity from 40 to 10 units, directly endangering the lives of hundreds of infants and patients requiring intensive care and dialysis services.

The official also reported a concerning rise in civilian casualties, noting that between August and October, at least 290 civilians were harmed, including 69 deaths and 221 injuries. Furthermore, the crisis has resulted in the forced closure of dozens of health facilities and obstetric emergency centers throughout the governorate.

Dr. Abdulhaq issued an urgent appeal to the central government and international humanitarian organizations, calling for immediate intervention to secure fuel, oxygen, and medical supplies. She emphasized the necessity of establishing safe humanitarian corridors to provide emergency relief and prevent the complete disintegration of the regional health sector.