Doctors Without Borders has opened a 30-bed surgical ward in Malakai Teaching Hospital, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. The humanitarian organisation said the ward will help improve surgical care in hospitals with limited medical facilities.
Doctors Without Borders Expands Surgical Care In South Sudan
The 30-bed ward will support both emergency and planned surgeries in regions with limited healthcare access. It allows medical teams to take more patients who need various degrees of surgery.
“MSF, in collaboration with the MoH, has strengthened life-saving surgical services at Malakal Teaching Hospital, Upper Nile State. The support includes a renovated operating theatre, specialized staff & a 30-bed post-operative ward to manage emergency C-sections & trauma cases,” said MSF East Africa.
According to a statement on their website, they offer several health services across South Sudan, often treating injuries caused by accidents and complications related to pregnancy. The organization said demand for surgery remains high in many areas.
Despite funding reduction from USAID, MSF has continued to provide maternal and paediatric care to countries with limited healthcare. This reduces maternal birth dates, nutrition, and infectious diseases.
Patients travel long distances to reach hospitals, sometimes arriving in critical condition. The additional beds relieve pressure on existing hospital units, enabling doctors to schedule operations more efficiently during spikes in admissions.
Doctors Without Borders said the ward improves infection control by separating surgical patients from other admissions. Dedicated recovery spaces allow closer monitoring during the postoperative period.
Improving Access To Safe Surgical Recovery
Access to surgery remains limited outside major towns in South Sudan. Shortages of beds and staff often delay procedures or force early discharge.
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time the organisation has offered health care. Some days ago, Doctors Without Borders opened a clinic at the Busuma Refugee camp in Burundi to help alleviate health problems.
Expanding recovery space also allows teams to respond more quickly when complications arise. Doctors Without Borders stated that the ward reflects ongoing efforts to adapt services to meet urgent needs.
Humanitarian groups warn that South Sudan continues to face severe health challenges. Increasing surgical capacity will save lives and support patient recovery and rehabilitation.
