REFUGEES IN OBONGI DISTRICT CALL FOR MORE INTERVENTION IN HEALTH SECTOR

By Samson Ganiko

Obongi

Refugees in Palorinya settlement appeals for more intervention from the implementing partners in order to address the health care gaps, the refugees in zone one block seven Belameling    Village Palorinya refugees settlement in Obongi district reveals huge gaps in the health sector more especially issues dealing with referral to the regional hospital for more treatment.

Nyara Alex the Refugee Welfare Council One of Belameling village block seven revealed that Belameling village has three villages with only one health facility where at times they receive a total of 400 to 700 patients which is a big challenge. “If you go to the facility, you will find the people are many but to serve them is very difficult,” Nyara noted.

He added that as refugee leaders, they have tried their best to intervene but there is no action taken since the health workers are few. “In belameling health centre we only have 3 doctors with one in charge and among  the three doctor’s, one works at  night, the two work at the day hours where the two can’t serve 700 people daily,” Nyara stressed.   
     
Meanwhile Gerry Evans Zackary another South Sudanese’s refugee based in the same village disclosed that they encounter a lot of hardships during referral. “Other sickness when they try here in vein they refer us to Moyo general hospital but we encounter a lot of hardship via feeding and drugs bought at the private facilities,” he emphasised.    
 
Whereas Loria Lilly the local council one chairperson of Keguru village noted the same challenge of referral facing the nationals. “In case when you are referred to Moyo or other referral facilities, we have big challenge of transport, at times they will say if nationals, you try find your own transport to go to Moyo”. She added. Loria said that sometimes the nationals are left and only the refugees are refereed.      

However the settlement Commandant for zone one only identified as Julius had this comment. “One thing I want to assure you is referrals are made but the only challenge is we have some of my people the refugees up to now they have not learnt the right channels to use,” he noted.

Julius revealed that, when someone falls sick before he or she is examined, he or she is thinking of being referred, that’s why you will even hear after telling them you will be fine they feel they should be referred. Efforts to get comment from MTI the medical team offering health services at the settlement could not yield any fruits.

COVER PHOTO: Refuges in Belameling village zone one block seven in a group photo after a community dialogue By Samson Ganiko