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Top 5 cancer hospitals in Palestine

1 March 2025

Cancer care in Palestine presents unique challenges due to geopolitical constraints, limited medical infrastructure, and restricted access to advanced treatments. Despite these difficulties, several hospitals and medical institutions strive to provide essential oncology services. While Palestine does not have a fully specialized cancer hospital, a few key healthcare centers play a vital role in cancer treatment. Below is an overview of the top hospitals offering cancer-related services in Palestine.

1. Augusta-Victoria Hospital Cancer Care Center

Location: East Jerusalem
Features: Augusta-Victoria Hospital is the primary and only comprehensive cancer center in Palestine. It provides a wide range of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, certain advanced services such as hematology and bone marrow transplantation are not available. Many Palestinian cancer patients depend on this facility for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Due to its location in East Jerusalem, patients from the West Bank and Gaza often face challenges in obtaining the necessary permits to access the hospital.

2. Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital

Location: East Jerusalem
Features: Al-Makassed Hospital is a well-established medical institution offering a variety of healthcare services, including limited cancer care. While it is not a dedicated oncology center, it provides essential diagnostic and supportive treatments for cancer patients. The hospital plays an important role in the Palestinian healthcare system by addressing general medical needs, including surgical oncology procedures.

3. Al-Ahli Arab Hospital

Location: Gaza
Features: Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is one of the few healthcare institutions in Gaza that offers cancer treatment. It provides chemotherapy and other basic oncology services. However, due to ongoing political and economic challenges, access to essential medications and advanced treatment options is severely limited. Patients requiring specialized care often need to be referred to hospitals outside Gaza, a process complicated by travel restrictions and border closures.

4. Al-Shifa Hospital

Location: Gaza
Features: As the largest medical facility in Gaza, Al-Shifa Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including some aspects of cancer treatment. However, the hospital lacks a dedicated oncology department, which means cancer care is often constrained by limited resources, inadequate equipment, and medication shortages. The hospital remains an essential provider of emergency and general healthcare services to the people of Gaza.

5. Palestinian Red Crescent Society Hospitals

Location: Various locations in the West Bank and Gaza
Features: The Palestinian Red Crescent Society operates several hospitals across the region, offering general medical services. Some of these facilities provide cancer screening and limited treatment options. However, due to the fragmented nature of healthcare in Palestine, these hospitals do not have the infrastructure necessary for advanced cancer therapies such as radiation oncology or targeted treatments.

Challenges in Cancer Care in Palestine

1. Limited Access to Advanced Treatment

One of the most significant barriers to effective cancer care in Palestine is the lack of advanced medical technology. Facilities offering radiation therapy, specialized surgeries, and targeted treatments are scarce. Many patients are referred to hospitals in Israel, Jordan, or Egypt for treatment, but obtaining travel permits can be an arduous and time-consuming process.

2. Shortage of Medications and Equipment

The ongoing blockade in Gaza and economic constraints in the West Bank contribute to frequent shortages of essential cancer medications. Chemotherapy drugs, pain management medications, and specialized oncology equipment are often in short supply, leading to delays in treatment and increased suffering for patients.

3. Political and Geopolitical Constraints

Palestinian patients seeking advanced cancer treatment often require permits to travel to Israel or other neighboring countries. These permits are not always granted, resulting in delayed or missed treatments. The geopolitical situation also affects the flow of medical supplies, making it difficult for hospitals to maintain a consistent stock of necessary medications and equipment.

4. Lack of Specialized Medical Professionals

Palestine faces a shortage of oncologists, radiologists, and specialized oncology nurses. Many medical professionals seek training abroad, but returning to practice in Palestine can be challenging due to resource limitations and bureaucratic barriers. The lack of specialized expertise further hampers the development of comprehensive cancer care services.

5. Financial Burden on Patients

The cost of cancer treatment is a significant burden for many Palestinian families. While some treatments are subsidized by international aid organizations and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, many patients still struggle to afford essential care. Traveling abroad for treatment adds another layer of financial strain, with expenses for transportation, accommodation, and medical services often being unaffordable.

Efforts to Improve Cancer Care in Palestine

1. International Support and Partnerships

Several international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), have partnered with Palestinian healthcare institutions to improve cancer care. These partnerships help provide essential medical supplies, training for healthcare professionals, and funding for infrastructure development.

2. Expansion of Local Cancer Services

Efforts are being made to enhance cancer care within Palestine itself. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has been working to establish more oncology departments in existing hospitals. Initiatives include improving early detection programs, increasing public awareness, and expanding palliative care services.

3. Strengthening Medical Training and Education

Medical education and training programs are crucial for the future of cancer care in Palestine. Collaborations with international universities and hospitals have provided opportunities for Palestinian doctors and nurses to receive specialized oncology training. The hope is that these professionals will return and contribute to the development of local cancer treatment facilities.

4. Advocacy for Improved Access to Care

Various advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working to raise awareness about the difficulties Palestinian cancer patients face. These groups push for policy changes that would allow for easier travel permits, increased funding for cancer care, and better coordination between Palestinian and international healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Cancer care in Palestine is fraught with challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to political barriers. However, dedicated medical professionals and international partnerships continue to make strides in improving treatment options. While Augusta-Victoria Hospital remains the primary facility for cancer care, there is a growing need for more specialized oncology centers within Palestine itself.

For now, many patients still rely on referrals to hospitals abroad. Overcoming the existing barriers will require sustained efforts from the Palestinian healthcare system, international supporters, and policymakers. Until then, cancer patients in Palestine will continue to navigate a complex healthcare landscape, seeking the best possible care within their limited means.