The National Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Friday inaugurated the Madhol Field Hospital in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, approximately 64 kilometers south of the Sudanese border.
The 100-bed facility will provide emergency and intensive care, as well as specialized treatment for approximately 2 million South Sudanese, 300,000 returnees, 15,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 20,000 refugees from Sudan.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, talked briefly to Radio Tamazuj following the launch of the Madhol Field Hospital, a donation by his country.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q: Sultan Mohammed, what are the key services to be delivered by the hospital to the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State community?
A: The Madhol Field Hospital is proof of UAE’s ongoing commitment to establishing healthcare infrastructure in South Sudan and in the region. The hospital will provide a full range of medical services, including general medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic services, general surgery, emergency services, internal medicine, ENT services, radiology, and laboratory diagnostics. The hospital also includes an outpatient clinic, a theater, and a pharmacy. We expect to increase access to quality healthcare in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State.
Q: How will the hospital treat Sudanese refugees and the community?
A: UAE understands the critical need for medical care in areas hit by conflict and displacement. The Madhol Field Hospital is capable of catering to over 2 million individuals, including the Sudanese refugees. Many of these patients lack healthcare, and this hospital will provide them with the much-needed care. Our mission is to assist the refugees as well as the host community by providing maternal and child healthcare services, malnutrition management, and mental counseling. This hospital will also help decongest the other facilities, leading to a better allocation of medical resources and creating greater stability in the region.
Q: What specialized treatments and departments will be available at the facility?
A: We have ensured that the hospital is equipped with specialized departments to address a wide range of conditions. The hospital offers services in general medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, general surgery, emergency medicine, and internal medicine. Advanced diagnostic services, including radiology and laboratory testing, will enhance our ability to provide timely and accurate treatments. Additionally, the facility includes a pharmacy, which guarantees access to essential medications, and dedicated maternity and pediatric care units to support the mothers and children. This integrated approach will significantly improve health outcomes in the region.
Q: How will the hospital function as a referral center?
A: The Madhol Field Hospital will serve as a crucial referral center, strengthening the broader healthcare network in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State. Many primary healthcare centers and government hospitals in the region face resource constraints and lack the capacity to handle complex cases. This hospital will provide specialized treatments and emergency interventions. We will facilitate patient transfers, enhance continuity of care, and ensure that life-saving treatments are available when needed.
Q: How does the UAE plan to continue supporting healthcare development in South Sudan and beyond?
A: UAE has always been dedicated to enhancing global healthcare, and our work in South Sudan is proof of that. We are also investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical training, and the distribution of essential medical supplies. Our partnerships with international organizations also enhance the reach of our work in developing healthcare systems in under-served communities. We will remain steadfast in support of sustainable healthcare solutions, so that communities around the world can enjoy quality medical care. The vision of the UAE is to enhance global health security, humanitarian solidarity, and long-term resilience in the healthcare sector.