By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
Residents of Nimule Town Council have appealed to the government to urgently supply medicines to Nimule Hospital following a prolonged drug shortage at the facility.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, Igama William, a resident of Nimule Town Council, said patients visit the hospital but return home without receiving medication, as they are instead referred to private pharmacies to buy medicines.
“People go to the hospital and come back without medicine. They are always told to buy drugs from pharmacies,” he said.
Despite the shortage, William applauded the medical staff for their dedication and commitment to serving patients.
“Much as there are no medicines in the hospital, the health workers are always there attending to patients,” he added.
Another resident, Akuku Toffa, urged the government to intervene immediately, saying vulnerable women and low-income families are the most affected because they cannot afford to purchase medicines from private pharmacies.
“The government has to do something because many vulnerable women do not have money to buy medicine from pharmacies,” Toffa said.
Joan Vivian also expressed frustration over the situation, revealing that she visited the hospital more than three times but was only given paracetamol on each visit.
“I went to the hospital more than three times, but I was only offered paracetamol,” she said.
Efforts by No. 1 Citizen Newspaper to obtain a response from the health inspector were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered.
Nimule Hospital was among the health facilities previously supported by USAID, whose funding was reportedly cut during the administration of Donald Trump.