Tambura Hospital Laboratory Crisis Leaves Thousands Without Medical Tests

(TAMBURA COUNTY) – The main hospital in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State, is facing a serious health emergency after its laboratory ran out of essential diagnostic supplies and equipment, leaving the facility unable to provide proper medical testing for patients.

At present, the hospital is only able to carry out malaria tests. All other diagnostic services, including tests for infections, organ function and chronic illnesses, have been suspended due to the lack of laboratory reagents, machines and essential tools.

Joseph Parata, the hospital’s administrator, confirmed the situation in an appeal made earlier this week. He called for immediate intervention from the national Ministry of Health, humanitarian agencies and international partners to help restock the lab and restore services.

Parata warned that patients who need urgent testing for conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes or liver and kidney complications are being turned away or left untreated due to the shortages.

The crisis comes at a time when renewed tension and sporadic violence in parts of Western Equatoria have already disrupted access to healthcare and other basic services. Humanitarian access has also become more restricted, increasing pressure on local health centres like Tambura Hospital, which serve thousands in the area.

The hospital caters to both urban and rural populations, with an estimated catchment area of over 100,000 people. Many walk long distances for care, only to be told that essential diagnostic services are unavailable.

Local health workers say the inability to diagnose patients accurately not only risks delayed treatment but also increases the chances of misdiagnosis, especially for children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions.

Health authorities have warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, it could escalate into a full scale public health emergency in the county.

No exact budget has been provided or estimated for medical supply restocking of  the most basic lab items.