PHOTO CREDIT: Nimule Municipality Press Unit - Local authorities and health partners say that without significant investment, Nimule Hospital may not be able to keep pace with demand. They argue that upgrading the hospital will not only improve services locally but also support national efforts to strengthen the health system at key border points.
(TORIT) – The administration of Nimule Hospital in Eastern Equatoria State has appealed for the facility to be upgraded to a referral hospital in order to meet the increasing health needs of the community and the thousands of travellers who pass through the busy border town every day.
The request was made by Dr David Nyuma Sylvester, the hospital’s Medical Director, during an inception workshop marking the second year of the Health Sector Transformation Project. He said the hospital is under growing pressure as the first point of contact for both local residents and those entering South Sudan from Uganda.
Nimule Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli also pressed HealthLink, the implementing partner of the project, to take further steps to strengthen service delivery within the municipality and across the wider Madi Land area. He said Nimule’s position as a gateway into the country makes its health needs particularly urgent.
The mayor explained that the hospital faces challenges due to frequent road accidents on the busy Juba-Nimule highway, the large student population attending schools in the town and the recent return of displaced persons. He stressed that these factors make it essential to expand and modernise medical services.
Mayor Longa also urged HealthLink to work closely with the Ministry of Health to establish support for a facility in Pageri Payam, which is currently not covered by the Health Sector Transformation Project. He noted that expanding services to Pageri would reduce the strain on Nimule Hospital and bring care closer to communities in need.
According to the Mayor’s Press Unit, the hospital’s call for an upgrade comes at a time when the population of Nimule is rising and the demand for specialised medical services is increasing:
Upgrading to referral status would allow the hospital to introduce new departments, attract skilled staff and reduce the number of patients forced to travel to Juba or Torit for treatment – Statement from Office of the Mayor
Current Situation at Nimule Hospital
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| High number of road accidents | Increased emergency admissions |
| Large student population | Rising demand for outpatient and preventive services |
| Return of displaced persons | Greater strain on existing health services |
| Lack of nearby facilities in Pageri Payam | Patients travel long distances for care |
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