Western Equatoria State on Sunday received a consignment of about 700 cartons of different categories of drugs from the Health Pool Fund.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj shortly after the arrival of the drugs at Nzara airstrip, Celina Kiden, the program coordinator for Health Pool Fund, said the 693 cartons were initially to be delivered on March 15 but due to several emergencies in Yambio Hospital, they decided to expedite the supply.
“The drugs were supposed to come on 15 March but because of the emergency of people who were burnt in Gangura and the hospital was almost running out of drugs, our office has to come in to make sure the drugs are there and to save lives of the people in Western Equatoria State,” she said.
The newly appointed health minister in Western Equatoria State, James Adu Votoki, said that although he has not been sworn in, he had to start work because of a health emergency in the state.
He appreciated the partners who responded to calls for support and said the drugs will be distributed in Yambio hospital and other facilities under Yambio County.
Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba cautioned the ministry of health and the administration of Yambio Hospital to use the medicine properly and said security personnel will ensure that the drugs are not sold or embezzled by health workers.
Dr. Kumbo Victor, the medical director of Yambio Hospital confirmed that he received 172 cartons of drugs.
“Instead of 199 cartons, we have received only 172 which are mixed cartons. It is only the mixed cartons that contain the medicine for treatment which has reduced, but the other supply is like always,” Dr. Kumba said. “Most of the drugs we received are the drugs we use for treating respiratory Infection, malaria and chronic disease like hypertension and we also have drugs used in maternity.’
Joyce David Naumba, a resident of Yambio County, said she is happy to hear that the drugs have been supplied to the hospital and it is going to help the population in the state.
Last week several wounded patients including 19 burn victims were admitted to Yambio Hospital.