The in charge of the health center in Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State has called on the government to elevate the facility to a hospital because it serves surrounding areas and many people from far-flung communities.
William Avowa John appealed on Wednesday during the commissioning of a new maternity ward at the health facility.
“The government should plan on how to upgrade our facility to a big Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) or hospital because many people come here for treatment from as far as Mvolo, Kediba, and many other places,” he said. “So, we need this facility to be upgraded and supplied with sufficient medicine, equipment, and health personnel.”
Avowa urged the local women to use the new maternity ward which is well-equipped for delivery to avoid complications during delivery.
“To our mothers, I need you to come and deliver in the hospital and you should come in the early period of pregnancy, from 2-3 months, so that we can monitor them till the time of delivery,” he urged. “If they remain at home, there will be a lot of challenges during delivery.”
Meanwhile, some patients who spoke to Radio Tamazuj said they are now receiving quality health care although there are few medical staff.
Alice Karingwa Wesely, a lactating mother, said she delivered safely at the health facility on Wednesday morning.
“I came today (Wednesday) at 9 am with labor pains and I have delivered well and I and my baby are fine,” she said. “This is not the first time for me to come here, but I can see everything has changed and there are many beds, lights and the place is very clean.”
Another expectant mother, Suzan Avowa Abraham, who is being attended to at the facility, however, said the medical staff was stretched because they are few and took time to attend to patients.
“When I came here there were many people, the line was long, and a patient has to wait for a long time,” she said. “The government should deploy more health personnel.”
The construction of the new maternity ward was initiated by Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba early last year.
While commissioning the ward on Wednesday, the governor said the building was financed by taxes collected in the state. He promised to elevate the health facility to a hospital.