By Hou Akot Hou
Health officials in Nyamlel Primary Health Care Center, in Aweil West County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have announced the arrival of a consignment of drugs, including treatments for malaria and pneumonia.
Lual Khamis Lual, deputy health director confirmed on Saturday that the supplies, delivered by UNICEF and the State Ministry of Health, represent a significant intervention that has been eagerly awaited.
“This delivery is a great achievement made possible by the Ministry and its partners,” Khamis stated, noting that other facilities in the county have also received their supplies.
He expressed concern over the impact of diseases, particularly on children and the elderly, and pointed out that many lives have been lost due to a lack of medication.
“Many people, especially children, have passed away because of insufficient access to drugs. UNICEF and the Ministry of Health have truly done an excellent job,” he added.
However, residents have raised concerns about health workers allegedly selling drugs instead of distributing them to those in need.
Khamis condemned such practices as unethical and emphasized the importance of reporting any such incidents.
He said the malpractices are unacceptable and should be addressed promptly.
Abuk Deng, a resident of Nyamlel, said that many people are forced to seek essential medications from pharmacists due to shortages in health facilities.
“At times, you can find drugs at pharmacies, but it’s difficult to afford treatment,” she noted.
Deng urged health authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that essential drugs are not diverted for sale in pharmacies.