By Kei Emmanuel Duku and Hou Akot Hou
A newly established Madhaul Field Hospital in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, marks a significant advancement in local healthcare capacity.
This state-of-the-art facility, donated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officially launched on Sunday 9th March, started operations on 25th February.
Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations in an extended interview with this Publication said that South Sudanese nationals will fill 80% of the hospital’s staffing positions.
Al Shamsi stated that the UAE government, in partnership with the South Sudan Ministry of Health, has already recruited 100 healthcare workers.
“We have recruited over 100 nurses and doctors, with approximately 80% being from South Sudan,” Al Shamsi said. “While a few international staff are present, the majority are from Aweil and other regions within South Sudan.”
The hospital, equipped with 100 beds and modern amenities, including an operating room, theatre, pharmacy, and emergency room, will focus on general healthcare services for children and women. It will also offer water and sanitation services.
Located 50 kilometres from Aweil town in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, Madhaul Hospital is expected to serve an estimated population of 2 million, encompassing host communities, Sudanese refugees, and South Sudanese returnees from Sudan.
The Assistant Minister emphasized that the hospital’s launch aligns with the UAE government’s 2030 Agenda, specifically goals three and four, which emphasize access to healthcare and Education services as crucial for sustainable development.
He further added that Madhaul Hospital will complement the existing health center in Aweil and improve the health and well-being of refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.
“This hospital will genuinely assist all people, not only those from Aweil communities but also Sudanese refugees,” he said. “It will coordinate with other hospitals to transfer cases or provide support to neighbouring facilities.”
Al Shamsi noted that, as part of the UAE government’s contribution to the people of South Sudan, all operational costs, salaries, and other essential services that will keep the hospital operational will be covered by the UAE government.
He further added that patients will receive free treatment, and the initiative is being implemented in close coordination with the Ministry of Health in South Sudan to avoid duplication of work and complement government affords in healthcare provision.
During inauguration ceremony, the commissioner of Aweil East County, Diing Aher Ngong, expressed gratitude for the donation of the facility.
He stated that it will benefit not only the local community but also the entire state and beyond.
Aher expressed hope that the UAE government would continue to invest in South Sudan across various sectors.
“We are happy as a government and as the people of Aweil East County as a whole. We wish to see services delivered to our people in an honest manner. Your unwavering support, which has resulted in the establishment of this hospital along with the construction of water yards and land clearance, has laid the foundation for effective service delivery,” said he said.
He further urged UAE to enhance its engagement with the government on similar projects in health, education, and the economy, among others.
In a similar vein, the governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Simon Uber Mawut commended the Emirati donors for their contributions to the Madhol community and the state at large.
“On behalf of the state government and our beloved president Kiir Mayardit, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the delivery of this hospital, which will assist our local population. This gesture is a symbol of friendship, thanks to our brothers in government, such as Benjamin Bol Mel, who sought out this project and helped bring it to fruition,” said Mawut.
The governor also pledged to ensure maximum security for the facility, including the deployment of uniformed personnel to protect sensitive equipment such as laboratory instruments.
The hospital is equipped with 100 beds, emergency wards, and intensive care units, among other amenities.
However, some concerns have been raised about the recruitment process, which many believe was politicized.
Some local medical personnel reported being excluded, with allegations that foreign nationals were favored instead, highlighting issues with government interference in the hiring procedures.