About 60 clinics, pharmacies, and drug stores in the Jonglei State capital, Bor, have been shut down since last week for operating illegally, the state health ministry has said.
Atong Kuol Manyang, the state health minister, told Radio Tamazuj Sunday that the healthcare services were closed down last week after failing to meet the ministry’s requirements for operation.
“As I told you earlier, during our last month’s survey, 56 clinics and pharmacies were found to be operating without licenses. So, our team started the work on Tuesday, and they found four more clinics without licenses. So all those 60 facilities were shut down between Tuesday and Friday,” Atong said.
The health minister pointed out that the operation will continue to ensure the safety of the local population. She said the closed facilities will be allowed to reopen as soon as they comply with the ministry’s protocols.
“Even those facilities with legal documents were reviewed again. So, in total, we went through 113 drug stores, clinics, and pharmacies. Those whose clinics have been closed down will be allowed to go about their businesses if they can produce what we need,” Atong said.
Bor resident Yar Manyang, welcomed the ministry’s move, saying they will now be able to seek treatment at the private health facilities without fear because they have been reassured of the facilities’ competence.
For his part, Majak Daniel Tuor, the acting state police spokesperson, said the shutdown exercise has been successful and warned that those found resisting the order will be arrested.