South Sudan : Hospital caught in the crossfire

Kodok Hospital in South Sudan is under a security threat as the hospital sits on the front line between the warring parties. Today, the hospital is operational but tension still high.

Destruction from bullet holes on the iron fence of the hospital is a visible sign of fierce fire exchange on the battlefield.

Diane Yanise, a patient narrated her experience.

“When I was hiding under the bed I was thinking of people who were dying. I was also thinking of those who live next to the hospital. And I also thought that all those who were at the hospital had died.”

To Joseph Deng, a patient who was seeking treatment when the crossfire caught up with him, he said he had to run away for safety. He came back recently to complete his medication.

According to Dr. Dak Nyikago, security is a major concern to the hospital but for now, the situation is a bit settled.

“The security concerns for the hospital have subsided for now. The ICRC surgical team that briefly pulled out has returned and has resumed performing medical procedures.”

Health services in South Sudan have been overstretched. The lack of security has caused many health workers to flee. There have also been reports of health workers being attacked.