Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A medical doctor at Yambio State Hospital has raised concerns about a critical drug shortage, forcing patients to return home without essential medications due to irregular deliveries from Juba and an overwhelming number of patients seeking treatment.
Dr. Konjo Samuel confirmed the scarcity, attributing it to irregular deliveries from Juba and a heavy patient load that is straining the hospital’s limited supplies.
“We have seen a surge in patients since the start of the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), supported by the government and UNICEF. The supplies we receive are consistently insufficient to meet the demand, particularly for oral medications,” Dr. Samuel explained.
Yambio State Hospital, which provides lifesaving support, is grappling with a severe shortage of essential medicines. As a result, many patients are forced to seek treatment and medications from private health facilities, such as clinics.
Patients report that the drug shortage is costly, and some fear it could lead to worsening health conditions. Many are referred to expensive private clinics that they cannot afford.
“When we lack certain drugs, we inform patients to obtain them from nearby private facilities,” Dr. Samuel said. Currently, we have critically low supplies of anti-malarial drugs, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and anti-diabetic medications. Even when supplies arrive, they are often in small quantities and quickly depleted.”
Diabetic patients, who depend on a consistent supply of medication, are among those most affected by the shortfall.
Dr. Samuel noted that the state and national governments have responded swiftly to calls for support, recently sending anti-malarial drugs, with more expected soon.
Drugs supplied quarterly by the government and UNICEF are intended to last three months, but often run out in less than two due to the high reliance on the state hospital.
Seasonal conditions, such as malaria, are also on the rise, with doctors anticipating further increases in cases. Yambio State Hospital serves over 3,000 patients monthly from Yambio and surrounding villages.
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