Isiro, October 1, 2024 – The alarming situation of the Niangara General Reference Hospital, located in the Haut-Uélé province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently caught the attention of Governor Jean Bakomito. During a field visit, the Governor expressed his deep concern about the dilapidated state of the health facility, built since 1911. He highlighted the disarray of the medical staff working in difficult conditions and the critical lack of equipment needed to provide quality care to the local population.
The deterioration of the building, the lack of ambulances, beds, medicines and other essential supplies were highlighted during this visit. The Vice-Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Jean-Pierre Kezamudru, also joined the visit, thus showing his support for resolving the problems encountered.
Governor Bakomito stressed the urgency of the situation and the imperative to provide concrete solutions in the coming months. He recalled the commitment of the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to improve health services for all Congolese citizens.
In a significant gesture, Vice Minister Kezamudru took charge of paying the bills of inpatients and women giving birth, thereby alleviating some of the immediate financial needs of the hospital. He committed to submitting a detailed report on the essential needs of the facility to ensure its proper functioning in the future.
Dr. Isac Tandro Yokoba, the hospital’s chief physician, expressed his gratitude for this special attention paid to the critical situation of the health institution. He highlighted the challenges that medical staff face on a daily basis, including the reduction in the number of available beds due to the dilapidated facilities.
In conclusion, this official visit highlighted the urgent needs of the Niangara General Reference Hospital and raised awareness among the authorities on the need to invest in health infrastructure to ensure access to quality care for all inhabitants of the region. Let us hope that the necessary measures will be taken quickly to improve the situation and meet the essential health needs of the local population.