The Juba Teaching Hospital has commenced the demolition of its old building, marking the beginning of Phase Two of its reconstruction project funded by the Chinese government through the embassy.

Dr. Anthony Lupai, the Director General of the hospital, addressed reporters on Tuesday during an inspection visit to prepare for Phase Two. He explained that the demolition aims to create space for modern structures that will enhance the hospital’s appearance and that of Juba City.

“We recognize the significance of this location in the city, and it deserves a building that reflects its importance. Hence, we have initiated the removal of old structures to make way for the new construction in Phase Two, funded by the Chinese,” Lupai stated during the visit.

Phase One of the China-Aided Project, comprising the outpatient and emergency building, the obstetrics and gynaecology building, and dormitories for the Chinese Medical Team, was inaugurated in September 2017. The construction was completed and handed over to South Sudan in 2019.

Phase 2 of the Juba Teaching Hospital spans a total floor area of 16,000 square meters. It includes the medical technology building, outpatient building, inpatient building, infectious disease building, administrative building, and other ancillary facilities.

Mu Jianjun, the counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, highlighted the Chinese government’s long-standing commitment to cooperation in the medical and healthcare sector between the two countries. China has supported South Sudan in completing projects like the Rumbek Women’s Hospital and the first phase of the Juba Teaching Hospital.

He noted that China has dispatched its medical team to South Sudan for 12 consecutive years to provide free medical services. Recently, the team visited the village of Nakituan in Juba County to offer free medical treatment to the villagers.

Furthermore, Jianjun mentioned that China annually provides a significant quantity of medical equipment and medicines to the Juba Teaching Hospital. Additionally, South Sudanese health officials and medical personnel are invited to participate in training courses in China.

He disclosed that the construction of the second phase of the Juba Teaching Hospital will begin shortly and will be completed on time with support from the government.

“The upcoming commencement of construction for the second phase of the Juba Teaching Hospital marks another significant milestone in cooperation between the Chinese Government and the South Sudanese Government. It is anticipated that, with the strong support of the South Sudan Ministry of Health and the Juba Teaching Hospital, the second phase of the project will proceed smoothly and be completed according to schedule,” he stated.