By Yang Ater Yang
Local communities in Domuloto Payam, Wulu County, Lakes State, have been grappling with severe drug shortages at their health facility for the past two years.
Residents are increasingly concerned about their inability to access essential medications, putting their health and well-being at risk.
Mangia Julian Augustino, a member of the Nukta-Manga community, shared her frustration with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper.
“I came to the hospital in Nukta-Manga and was informed by the doctor that there are no medicines available,” Mangia said.
While the hospital is operational, the lack of medication means families are often turned away or left with no choice but to seek care at private clinics, which many cannot afford.
“You can bring a child and when you bring your child to the hospital they will tell you that there is no medicine. They write a prescription letter of medicines and they ask you to go to a private clinic or pharmacy,” she narrated.
Augustino expressed her desperation, stating that families in remote villages struggle to find the funds to purchase medicines even when prescribed.
“If we go to Wulu County which has a big hospital where will we get money to transport the child from the village here up to Wulu County? “I urge the South Sudan government to support our hospital with the necessary drugs so our children can receive the treatment they need,” she said.
She emphasized that relying on private clinics is not an option for many families, especially those who are unemployed and unable to pay for medical care.
“This hospital has been under-resourced for nearly two to three years,” she lamented. “We depend on this facility, and without support, our community suffers.”
James Kalla Door, a clinical officer at the Nukta-Manga Primary Health Care (PHC) facility, confirmed the dire situation.
“We lack essential supplies, including medicines for malaria, antibiotics, paracetamol, and even basic equipment like thermometers,” he explained. “This facility has been effectively closed since 2022 due to the absence of medical supplies.”
Door added that he often refers patients to larger hospitals in Wulu County, but without first aid, many face serious risks.
“We’re currently experiencing outbreaks of flu, diarrhea, and Pneumonia in children under five,” he said. “Without immediate support, the health of our community is in jeopardy.”
Moses Bilal Kulang, deputy paramount chief and chair of the PHC committee, voiced similar concerns.
“The hospital in Nukta-Manga has not functioned properly since 2000,” he stated. “Pregnant mothers must travel to Wulu County to deliver, but many do not make it in time, resulting in tragic outcomes.”
Kulang questioned why the community continues to be neglected by the government.
“We want the government to ensure a steady supply of drugs to our hospital,” he urged. “The staff keeps telling us that medicines are on the way, but they never arrive. Children are suffering, and pregnant mothers are losing their babies on the way to larger hospitals.”
He called on the South Sudan government to prioritize the health needs of Domuloto Payam.
“We have a hospital, but it is useless without medicine. The distances to Mvolo and Wulu County are too far for those in critical need.”
The urgent need for medical supplies in Domuloto Payam highlights a broader healthcare challenges faced by communities in South Sudan.