Kajo-Keji hospital faces possible closure after MSF exit, commissioner warns

The Caretaker Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, Charles Laku Losio Yensuk, has appealed to donors and development partners to support Kajo-Keji Civil Hospital following the withdrawal of medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Yensuk said the withdrawal of MSF, which had been supporting the hospital’s running costs and supplying essential medicines, has left the facility at risk of closure.

He said the lack of financial and medical support has raised concerns about the hospital’s ability to maintain key departments and continue providing essential services to patients.

“It was a big emotion because people have been really relying on MSF too much for incentives, for the running cost of the hospital, for drugs, for everything. So, it’s really a big blow to Kajokeji. Now how we wish there is somebody who can take over so that we sustain Kajokeji Civil Hospital,” he explained.

The commissioner called on donors and development partners to take over support for critical departments, particularly surgery, antenatal care and maternity services.

He said the hospital has adequate equipment and trained health workers but warned that the absence of a supporting partner could affect the delivery of essential medical services.

Yensuk also said patients were already facing difficulties following the withdrawal of some support services, including food provision.

Patients and their relatives are now required to bring their own food and cook within the hospital premises.

“With the relative peace in Kajokeji, the rate of returns has increased, and then this rate of returns means the people who are returning need some medical care. And as they need medical care, without another supporting partner to support the incoming returnees, it will be a big challenge for the county,” he said.

“So, my appeal is for our development partners to at least think of supporting Kajokeji Hospital.”

Laku said the growing number of people returning to Kajo-Keji due to relative peace in the area was increasing pressure on the county’s health services.

He appealed to local and international non-governmental organizations, donors and other development partners to support the hospital, saying continued access to healthcare was essential for returning communities.