South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Human rights activist and Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, criticised the state of Juba Teaching Hospital on Wednesday, urging the Ministry of Health and national leaders to take immediate action to improve healthcare services for low-income citizens who rely on this public facility.
In a statement seen by the Dawn, Yakani expressed disappointment in the hospital’s deteriorating ability to provide essential medical services, particularly for South Sudanese who cannot afford treatment at private or overseas institutions.
“The status of Juba Teaching Hospital in delivering adequate medical services to South Sudanese citizens is disappointing. It is disturbing,” Yakani said. “Who are we to blame for this inadequate performance? Simply, it is our political leaders who are responsible for timely and sufficient funding allocations to the hospital.”
Yakani emphasised that the hospital staff includes skilled and dedicated South Sudanese professionals ready to serve the public, but they are hampered by a lack of resources.
“We have committed, dedicated South Sudanese sons and daughters at Juba Teaching Hospital, but unfortunately, they are paralysed without adequate funding.”
He also raised concerns about corruption and discrimination in access to medicine and care at the hospital.
“I have observed a situation where access to medicine must be negotiated—on a commercial basis, on a relationship basis, or even along tribal lines. If you’re not connected, not known by someone at the hospital, or can’t bribe someone, you may not receive the treatment you need to save your life.”
He called on top government officials, including the Minister of Health and the President, to personally visit the hospital and witness the conditions firsthand.
“You will shed tears, you will walk away with painful hearts, and you will begin to question whether our national revenue—from taxes, oil, or gold—is truly serving the interests of the people,” he said.
Yakani acknowledged ongoing support from the Republic of China in developing advanced facilities at the hospital, but emphasised that without political will from South Sudan’s own leadership, those efforts will fall short.
“Thanks to our brothers and sisters from the government and the People’s Republic of China for committing to build advanced facilities. However, political commitment from our own leaders to fund and sustain these services is still missing.”
He concluded with a direct appeal to government officials: “Our leaders, we need services in Juba Teaching Hospital. Increase the funding. Show commitment. Save lives.”
Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir directed the newly appointed Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, to urgently address the country’s health crisis and improve service delivery.
