Empty beds devoid of mattresses at Yambio hospital ward. (Photo: Courtesy).

Health authorities in Western Equatorial State have partially shut down Yambio Civil Hospital due to power outage and inadequate drugs.

The hospital was among dozens of primary health care units in the country that was supported by the departing Health Pool Fund.

In August last year, donor countries consisting of some European Union member states withdrew from the project, leaving most health facilities in shambles.

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

James Abdullah, the Minister of Health in Western Equatoria State said the World Vision, which was one of the Health Pool Fund implementing partners pulled out due to the lack of funding.

As a result, the facility has run out of medical supplies and health personnel, as power shortage cripples the maternity ward section.

Adbullah said expectant mothers are no longer being attended to.

“I would like to tell you that the situation in Yambio State Hospital is deteriorating since the world Vision pulled out, there is no support from any partner to the hospital,” said the official.

“There is no light as we speak, and the maternal ward is also closed. It is therefore for mothers to come since there is no safety.”

Minister Abdullah is appealing to the national government to intervene saying there is no adequate support from the state government.

“Since the formation of the government of WEC, there is no adequate support from the state government and the leadership of the state knows very well.”

“The ministry of health has no adequate support. My request is, let the national government also look back to WEC especially on the side of health.”