Rumbek Women’s Hospital Closure Concerns
Women in Lakes State have appealed to the national government and health partners to urgently intervene to prevent the closure of Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital in Rumbek. Community voices argue the facility remains central to protecting women and children, according to Eye Radio.
The hospital has been operational since 2024 and is widely described as a key referral facility for maternal and child healthcare. It serves Rumbek town as well as surrounding rural communities that often rely on referrals for emergency and specialist care.
Residents Cite Emergency Maternal Care Needs
Rumbek resident Yar Mawat Adut said the hospital delivers life-saving services, especially during emergencies. “If they close Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, women and children will suffer,” Yar Mawat Adut said, urging support to keep services running (Eye Radio).
Another resident, Madalena Steven Mawada, stressed the hospital’s role for poorer and rural women who struggle to pay medical fees. “Pregnant women from villages come here without money and still receive treatment,” Madalena Steven Mawada said (Eye Radio).
Civil Society Flags Funding Cuts and Donor Support
Civil society organizations have also voiced concern, linking the hospital’s difficulties to recent funding cuts. Angelina Adhel Malual, Chairperson of the Civil Society Organization Network in Lakes State, said the facility was removed from multi-donor and World Bank support amid health sector budget reductions (Eye Radio).
“These facilities are essential to the people of Lakes State,” Angelina Adhel Malual said. She argued that funding reductions could increase the burden on pregnant women, children, and critically ill patients, and called on the national government and donors to reconsider (Eye Radio).
Daily Patient Numbers Highlight Service Pressure
According to figures cited in the report, Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital receives an estimated 150 outpatients and about 100 inpatients daily. Those volumes have reinforced its reputation as one of the busiest maternal health facilities in Lakes State (Eye Radio).
For residents and civil society, the patient load underscores the hospital’s operational value and the potential impact of any disruption. Their appeal frames continued support as a practical step to sustain hard-won gains in maternal and child health services in Rumbek.