Yambio hospital maternity ward. (Photo: Courtesy).

The minister of health in Western Equatoria State said Monday that medical workers have deserted Yambio Civil Hospital over low and inadequate pay.

The hospital is among dozens of primary healthcare units in the country that were supported by the Health Pooled Fund.

In 2021, donor countries comprising some European Union member states scaled down funding, leaving most health facilities in shambles.

Since then, most primary healthcare units started experiencing shortfalls including the Yambio Civil Hospital.

Minister James Abdallah said doctors have abandoned the hospital due to the funding crisis.

“Yes, it is true that the healthworkers deserted, because when the HPF pulls from Yambio state hospital, the situation of the hospital is not bad as before,” he said.

“But since the withdrawal of the HPF, it has reduced the standard of the state hospital to zero level but good enough, when I called the health partners in the state they responded.”

When asked about the availability of medical supplies, Abdallah said some health partners have pledged to support the hospital.