Adil Approves Yei Civil Hospital as Regional Referral Facility

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)-Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil Anthony has approved Yei Civil Hospital to operate as a regional referral state hospital, following an assessment of the facility’s services, infrastructure and health care needs.

Adil toured the hospital Wednesday, accompanied by State Minister of Health Joyce Bakwa Agole, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo and other state officials. The delegation met with health workers and patients and received briefings on challenges affecting service delivery.

The assessment found gaps in infrastructure, staffing, medical supplies and other essential services. Adil heard concerns directly from medical personnel and patients. He stressed the importance of professionalism, accountability and quality patient care.

The governor then elevated Yei Civil Hospital to a regional referral hospital to serve as a referral point for advanced health care across Yei River County and other parts of Greater Equatoria.

However, officials said the move could reduce the need to refer patients outside the region.

Adil directed relevant authorities to work with the State Ministry of Health and hospital administration to address the identified gaps and build the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized services.

Hospital officials said the facility records about 250 births a month and reported one maternal death, though additional data would be needed to independently verify the figures and the time period they cover.

Cinia Luzari Hakim, a birth attendant at the hospital, said staff support mothers and newborns throughout the childbirth process.

Officials said the hospital’s new referral role will require sustained investment in medical equipment, personnel, infrastructure and medicines to meet the needs of a larger patient population.

Yei Civil Hospital is the principal public health facility in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, and has long served as the county’s main referral center for maternal, pediatric and general care.

The hospital has faced recurring operational strain in recent years. In 2023, a power shortage forced medical personnel to use torches during surgery, with county officials noting that some equipment could not be run due to insufficient electricity supply.

In 2025, patients reported the hospital had run out of essential drugs for common illnesses such as typhoid and malaria, forcing many to buy medicine from private clinics at higher cost.

International partners have also supported the hospital’s operations. Médecins Sans Frontières resumed limited medical operations in Yei River County after a suspension, with a redesigned project focused on emergency and maternal care at Yei Civil Hospital.

Although calm has returned to Yei River County, parts of the county continue to experience insecurity, a factor that has affected the delivery of health services.