New Health Chief Takes Office as Bentiu Hospital Opens Two Facilities

(BENTIU) – Unity State has a new Director General of Health and two new facilities at Bentiu State Hospital, marking a week of change for health services in the state.

Dr Paul Banen officially took up the post of Director General of Health for Unity State on 2 July 2026. A handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Bentiu.

Those present included the State Minister of Health, Jal Puok, the Director General for Finance of Unity State, and the Town Mayor of Bentiu.

Minister Puok welcomed Dr Banen and said the Ministry would keep working to make health services better, improve health buildings and equipment, and deal with the main public health needs across Unity State.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Banen thanked those who had trusted him with the job. He promised to work closely with all groups to lift health results, put primary healthcare first, and make sure there is good coordination with state and national partners.

The Ministry called on all staff, partners and other groups to give Dr Banen their full support as he carries out his duties.

A day before Dr Banen took office, on 1 July 2026, the Ministry of Health together with Medecins Sans Frontieres opened two facilities at Bentiu State Hospital.

The first is an MSF Academy for Healthcare, meant to strengthen the skills of frontline health workers. The second is a Multi Purpose Diseases Outbreak Isolation Area, built to improve the response to disease outbreaks and keep patients and staff safer.

The Ministry said the openings are another step towards a stronger health system in Unity State.