The head of Yemen’s Supreme Medical Committee, Mutahhar Al-Druwaish, has warned of serious repercussions from the ongoing blockade on the country, saying restrictions on the import of medicines and medical supplies have directly worsened the health situation and increased patient suffering, particularly among those with chronic and complex diseases.
Speaking to Almasirah TV, Al-Druwaish said the blockade had led to a rise in hard-to-treat cases and aggravated existing illnesses due to the lack of appropriate medication, undermining the health sector’s ability to manage chronic and complicated conditions.
He added that imports of medicines and medical supplies had fallen by around 60% as a result of what he described as the US-Saudi blockade, widening the drug shortage gap and placing additional pressure on health facilities, many of which are now unable to provide basic treatments for large numbers of patients.
Al-Druwaish renewed his warning that the continued decline in medical imports would further deteriorate the health situation as long as restrictions remain in place and prevent the fulfillment of essential treatment needs.
