The healthcare sector in Gaza has faced unprecedented challenges during the 2023-2026 war, necessitating the development of novel resilience and crisis management frameworks. Strategic vigilance, a proactive approach to monitoring and responding to environmental changes, is critical for organizations operating under extreme duress.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of strategic vigilance (technological, competitive, commercial, and environmental) on health crisis management (early warning, solution provision, and post-crisis outcomes) at Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip.
A descriptive analytical approach was employed. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered to a sample of 190 employees holding supervisory positions at the Nasser Medical Complex. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the study's hypotheses.
The findings indicate a high overall level of strategic vigilance application (mean = 3.87), with competitive vigilance ranking the highest. Health crisis management practices were also assessed at a high level (mean = 3.72), with a notable emphasis on post-crisis outcomes rather than early warning systems. Regression analysis revealed that competitive vigilance (β = 0.203, p = 0.060) and environmental vigilance (β = 0.298, p = 0.000) significantly influence health crisis management. Conversely, technological and commercial vigilance showed no statistically significant effect.
The study underscores the critical role of strategic vigilance in navigating health crises in a conflict zone. While Nasser Medical Complex demonstrates robust crisis management, there is a clear need to strengthen early warning systems and technological capabilities. The findings highlight that in a rapidly deteriorating environment, the ability to monitor competitors (competitive vigilance) and the broader political-security environment (environmental vigilance) are paramount for institutional survival and service continuity. The study recommends targeted interventions to enhance employee capacity, institutionalize vigilance practices, and foster a more proactive crisis management culture.