Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Western Equatorial State Ministry of Health has suspended three senior officials at Maridi County Hospital amid allegations of administrative mismanagement, theft of medical supplies and gross misconduct, pending the outcome of an official investigation.
In a ministerial order dated 21 December 2025, Health Minister James Abdallah Arona announced the immediate suspension of Dr Lily Henry Darima Odu, the hospital’s medical director; Jackson Thomas, the administration and finance officer; and Ludia Najuwa Taku, the county nutrition officer.
The action followed what the ministry described as “several letters and various complaints” received from citizens, community leaders, hospital board members and county authorities.
The suspensions, issued under Ministerial Order No. 08/2025, are at the centre of a probe aimed at addressing growing concerns over the management of Maridi County Hospital, one of the key referral facilities in the area.
According to the ministry, the allegations include the suspected theft of drugs and medical items, serious disciplinary breaches and failures in administrative oversight.
To ensure continuity of services, the ministry has appointed interim officials to replace the suspended staff. Dr Swaka Laku Lugalla has been named acting medical director, James Juma Alex Patron will serve as acting administration and finance officer, while Rev Benjamin Awura Usu takes over as acting nutrition officer.
An investigative committee has been constituted to examine the claims and recommend further action. The panel is chaired by Anthony Zanagada, Director General at the WES Ministry of Health, and includes Wilson Denia from the Ministry of Labour and Public Service as deputy chair, John Sangara from Yambio State Hospital as secretary, as well as representatives from National Security and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The committee has been given three weeks to conclude its work and submit a report.
While underscoring the seriousness of the alleged misconduct, Minister Arona said the investigation would be conducted transparently and fairly.
He acknowledged that the inquiry would also take into account broader challenges facing health workers in Maridi County, including months-long salary arrears that have reportedly left more than 50 hospital staff unpaid, contributing to absenteeism and persistent drug shortages.
Community leaders say the suspensions highlight deeper problems within an already fragile health system. Local authorities and residents are now awaiting the findings of the committee, as the police commissioner has yet to comment, and no arrests have been made. The ministry has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds.
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