File: An aid worker attends to a sick baby in South Sudan. Credit | MSF

An official from the Ministry of health says the lack of roads and health facilities is affecting the delivery of primary health care services across the country to more than half the population.

Dr. Gabriel Loi, who is the Director of Medical Services, says there are not enough health centers in the rural areas to provide proper medical services to the population.

Dr. Loi told Eye Radio’s Dawn Program today that medical supplies do not reach the needy in the villages.

Health services are free in the country. However, Dr Loi doubts.

“The term free itself is controversial the services may be available, may be accessible,” he said, “but may not be affordable to the individual who wants to afford that kind of services when those services are not free.”

Dr Gabriel Loi said that the Ministry of Health has developed a five year plan to ensure medical services reach the people at the county level.

He also said the Ministry is working together with UN agencies to reduce malarial infections and kalazar in South Sudan.