Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Ibba County, Western Equatoria State, was officially upgraded to a hospital Wednesday, marking a major step in improving healthcare access for the county.
The inauguration, celebrated by the community, was led by Western Equatoria State’s acting governor, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, and attended by government officials, civil society representatives and local leaders.
Upgrading a primary health care center to a hospital signifies a significant expansion in the scope of healthcare services offered. This involves not only an increase in physical infrastructure and resources but also a shift towards more specialized care.
During the ceremony, Sette Kpaka Parakiti, chairperson of the Ibba Community, raised concerns about the lack of skilled medical workers in the county.
“Our population is large, and we have long depended on hospitals in Maridi and Yambio. Now that we have a hospital in Ibba, we appeal for doctors, clinicians and qualified medical staff to strengthen our healthcare system,” he said.
Parakiti also highlighted infrastructure challenges, including the absence of a protective fence, leaving patients and equipment vulnerable to theft, animals and other disturbances.
Wanga Emmanuel, chairperson of Western Equatoria’s Civil Society, welcomed the upgrade but urged sustained government support.
“This should not only remain a policy on paper—it must be implemented effectively. The community is pleased to see tangible steps being taken. But now, the government must take full responsibility by providing essential drugs and ensuring that healthcare staff are well supported,” he said.
Acting Governor Rimbasa said: “We must take towns to the villages. Today, we have brought a hospital to Ibba County to fulfill that vision and the commitment of the president of South Sudan to provide quality and equitable healthcare to all citizens.”
As part of the inauguration, Rimbasa donated 30 mattresses, 30 bedsheets and 30 mosquito nets, pledging to deliver a machine in the coming weeks to assist with blood testing and treatment.
Rimbasa said the Ibba Hospital upgrade is the first of similar planned improvements for Western Equatoria’s remaining counties.
State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona praised the acting governor’s efforts in maintaining peace and security, which he said enabled such developments.
He also thanked the national Health Ministry for its role in the upgrade and called on medical staff to uphold ethical standards.
“Whether services are free or paid, health workers must prioritize saving lives,” he said.
Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela confirmed the equipment donations and urged staff and residents to protect the facility.
“This hospital is a lifeline for our most vulnerable people. Let’s protect it together,” he said.
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