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Sudan Tribune

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Kenya Commercial Bank donates 10 beds to Bentiu hospital

December 14, 2013 (BENTIU) – The Kenya Commercial Bank has donated 10 beds and 20 plastic chairs to Bentiu state hospital in South Sudan’s Unity state on Friday.

Akum David Sabaker, who works in KCB’s Bentiu branch, told Sudan Tribune said the donation was hopefully just the beginning of the bank’s support to Bentiu hospital.

“The items we brought here are to be given to you, I know they are not much enough but it will help you and in the next coming future we will bring more than these including the nursing cloths”, added Sabaker.

Dr Manong Thoat, the director general of Unity state’s health ministry, says the support is important.

“Some people may understand that the work of the bank is keep money in custody but now it appear to some other that also the bank can give services to the people”, he said.

Thoat said the health ministry appreciates the steps taken by the bank to contribute with the community.

Health officials welcomed the donation adding that they hope it will pave the way for others institutions to provide assistance to the hospital and other health centres.

Bentiu hospital accommodates a huge number of patient from across Unity’s nine states.

In July this year there was a shortage of drugs at the hospital due to austerity measures that were imposed following a dispute between South Sudan and its northern neighbour Sudan of how much Juba should pay Khartoum to export and refine its oil.

During this period many sick people attempted to get treatment from hospital but could not receive medication. Many patients were forced to buy drugs from pharmacies in the market.

The drug shortage lasted for two weeks until the government manage to resupply the hospital. Oil production resumed in April after resolving the transit fee dispute.

Bentiu hospital serves both local people and the Sudanese refugees that live in Yida camp and Ajuongthok of Parieng County who have fled conflict in Sudan’s South Kordofan state.

The hospital is well equipped with specialist doctors and nurses but staff complain that poor salaries can hinder their ability to execute their duties.

(ST)

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