Hospitals and war: medical departments and personnel

Healthcare facilities in times of armed conflict are not always able to deliver the full range of medical services. Various factors influence the functioning of health institutions within war zones. The major constraints are represented by a lack of skilled personnel, an improper infrastructure, the absence of the private medical equipment sector and a lack of medical consumables. Subsequently, healthcare facilities are forced to reduce their service and to focus on the most urgent medical needs. This study discusses the minimum requirements for: the hospital infrastructure, the security of healthcare facilities, medical departments and personnel. This article highlights that even when a healthcare facility is operating on reduced capacity, skilled personnel is essential. Moreover, electricity, water and a safe environment is crucial to keep the healthcare facility operating. In some cases, a new established field hospital is more efficient compared to an inadequate operating facility.