64. Daibes, I., Barghouthi, M., and Shbayta, 'A. Infrastructure and Health Services in the Gaza Strip: The Gaza Strip Primary Health Care Survey. Jerusalem: Al-Amal Press, 1996: 189 pp.

This report presents the results of a survey of infrastructure and health services in the Gaza Strip. The study was conducted with the aim of providing baseline data for planning and monitoring purposes. A similar report on infrastructure and health services in the West Bank was published by HDIP in 1993. Data for the survey was collected by interviews with local key informants. In preparation for this process, previously published data were reviewed and interviews were carried out with officials from institutions which provide health services in the area. The population of Gaza Strip as of December 1995 was estimated to be about 845,000 persons, residing in 23 communities. Registered refugees composed about 72% of the population. Almost half of the refugees live outside the boundaries of refugee camps. The Gaza Strip is characterized by an urban nature, with very high population density of 2,146 persons per square kilometer. Access to piped water supply, piped sewage, garbage disposal and 24-hour electricity is relatively high, compared with the West Bank. However, the conditions and size of these services are inadequate.

In terms of health services, a problem of maldistribution of services was noted. The largest concentration was found in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Clinic load varies significantly according to clinic type. While UNRWA runs only 14% of the clinics, 53% of all consultations occur in UNRWA clinics. In contrast, NGOs run 21% of the clinics, dealing with only 1% of consultations. A wide variation exists between and within sectors in terms of service types, especially in preventive services and family planning. UNRWA clinics seem to provide a wider range of services. However, the high load of consultations at UNRWA clinics raises questions regarding the quality of services and adherence to protocols. The report points to a considerable overlap of service provision between different providers, most importantly between the government and UNRWA. This indicates the need for coordination on the issue.