Akobo County Hospital in Jonglei State is grappling with a shortage of life-saving drugs, an official said.
State Minister for Peace Building Gabriel Malual raised concerns about the shortage during a visit by Governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk on Monday.
The Governor’s visit came following the November 20, 2024 protest by local residents over the state’s neglect of the health sector.
The protests followed the closure of the Akobo Hospital, a critical facility providing services to the local residents and those from the nearby Gambella.
“We have learned that there are challenges facing this hospital. These include lack of infrastructure as a mortuary and there is also an inadequate supply of medicines and the incentives for the workers,” Malual told journalists on Monday.
He revealed that the Governor promised to address the challenges facing the staff of the Akobo hospital.
Akobo County Commissioner Puok Nyang Tutjiek decried the delay in paying the salaries and incentive of the health workers.
“We have seen a lot of challenges. The patient who are admitted do not have food. The kitchen is empty, there is no food,” said Tutjiek.
County Health Director (CHD) Chuol Makuach said that the hospital was well-staffed with eight medical specialists and 16 doctors, and five clinical officers who work on daily basis.
“It is called Akobo Teaching Hospital. We have been given 180 staff working for the hospital. Among them are eight specialists and 16 medical doctors, practitioners and many more,” Makuach said.
“We made our registration for incentives from April 18 to December, but we have not seen any payment yet. We hope the payment will be coming soon,” he added.