Three dedicated teachers were involved in a road accident in Rumbek, with one of them currently in critical condition, according to health officials.
Terran Marit Terran, the Medical Director of Rumbek Hospital, told Radio Tamazuj these educators were travelling from Yirol East County to partake in screening tests organized by the Ministry of Education in Rumbek State capital.
“I have received three teachers who sustained injuries from a road accident. I have discharged two teachers, but one teacher has remained in the hospital to complete the treatment and soon I will discharge him when he becomes better.
“The medical director clarified that the remaining teacher’s condition is improving, and once stable, they will be allowed to leave the hospital,” Madit said.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Deng Machiek, the headteacher of Wunthou Primary School in Yirol East County, identified the teacher in critical condition as Moses Mangar Mabor, the headteacher of Yali Primary School. The other teachers, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, were Alfred Meen Achol from Acigor Primary School, Gabriel Deng Machiek himself, and Mager Achiekwei, a former headteacher from Lekakudu Primary School.
Machiek shared the reason behind their journey, explaining, “Yes, the reason why we were travelling from Yirol East County to Rumbek was to attend screening tests organized by the minister of education. We were part of the teachers who didn’t attend the screening exams last time but the minister of education, in his orders, told us to come to Rumbek to sit for a screening test.”
This initiative aimed to bring teachers up to date with screening exams, ensuring the quality of education in the region.
Machiek described the incident, stating, “Three of us had injuries, but one sustained critical injuries on his shoulder, thighs, and right leg. He was in a coma for the last 24 hours without speaking to anyone, but now this afternoon he is able to speak and see people around him.”
He also shed light on the healthcare situation at the State hospital, explaining that, “The only big issue is that since we were brought to the hospital for medication, the State hospital has no drugs. The doctor could just prescribe medicines on a paper and give a paper to patients so that you go and buy medicines for yourself.”
Despite the hardships, the Ministry of Education has expressed concern for the injured teachers. Gabriel Deng Machiek revealed, “We were visited twice in the hospital by the minister of education, Nelson Makoi, in the morning, but there is nothing the ministry of education has yet given us for the treatment we are waiting maybe the ministry will do something for our treatment.”
Attempts to reach the Lakes State Ministry of Education in Rumbek for further comments were unsuccessful as their calls remained unanswered.